15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta

A weeknight lifesaver made from pantry staples: hot spaghetti tossed in a glossy garlic butter sauce with parmesan and parsley.

• Time: 15 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of well salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic turns light golden, about 2 minutes.
3. Add 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in the glossy sauce, adding a splash more pasta water if it looks dry.
5. Remove from the heat and toss with the parmesan, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
6. Serve right away with extra parmesan on top.

Tags: 15-Minute Meals, Budget Recipes

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta?

15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta takes about 15 min from start to finish, which makes it a great fit for busy weeknights.

Can I meal prep 15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta?

Yes. Cook 15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta as written, let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What can I substitute in 15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta?

You can swap the protein for a similar one, like turkey for chicken or chickpeas for white beans, and use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Keep the seasoning amounts the same so the flavor stays balanced.