This Garlic Butter Pasta brings the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence to your table. The rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with a hint of tomato and the subtle heat from chili flakes pairs beautifully with al dente pasta. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds the final touch, elevating this humble dish into a restaurant-quality meal.
Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner at home, this pasta recipe is quick to prepare and uses simple pantry ingredients. It’s versatile enough to customize with added vegetables, proteins like chicken or shrimp, or extra herbs to suit your taste. Whether served alone or paired with a fresh salad or garlic bread, this dish promises to satisfy.
Full Recipe:
- 200g pasta (7.1 oz)
- 25g salted butter (1 tbsp + 2 tsps)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 150ml chicken stock (1/2 cup + 2 tbsps)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/4 tsp mixed herbs
- 10g grated parmesan cheese (around 1/8 cup)
Directions:
- Boil the pasta in salted water with a dash of oil. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later use if needed.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and melt 15g (1 tbsp) of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until golden, about 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in chicken stock, black pepper, red chili flakes, and mixed herbs. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for about 1 minute over medium-high heat.
- Remove the pan from heat. Add the remaining 10g (2 tsps) of butter and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until the butter melts and the cheese blends into the pasta.
- Serve hot, topped with additional grated parmesan if desired.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 2
Garlic Butter Pasta: A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined
Garlic Butter Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, offering a rich, savory flavor profile that combines the satisfying simplicity of a buttered noodle dish with the vibrant taste of garlic and tomatoes. This recipe’s appeal lies in its versatility and ease of preparation, making it a go-to option for anyone seeking a quick yet indulgent meal.
The Essence of Garlic Butter Pasta
At its heart, Garlic Butter Pasta is about balance: the smooth creaminess of butter paired with the bold, aromatic essence of garlic. The addition of tomato paste elevates this dish by lending a tangy sweetness and a rich color to the sauce. This light yet flavorful combination ensures that every bite is deeply satisfying without feeling overly heavy. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty finish that brings all the components together, enhancing the dish’s texture and flavor.
This recipe transforms basic pantry staples into something extraordinary. The simple ingredients, including pasta, butter, garlic, and seasonings, are pantry heroes that most home cooks already have on hand. Yet, when combined thoughtfully, they create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Why This Recipe Works
Garlic Butter Pasta excels in its ability to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick Preparation: With a cooking time of just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It allows home cooks to enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: The flavor combination is classic yet refined. Garlic and butter are a match made in heaven, and when paired with tangy tomato paste, they create a nuanced sauce that feels gourmet.
- Customizable: One of the great features of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted. Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes can be added for a fresh twist. Protein options like chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta make it heartier. For vegetarians, vegetable stock can replace chicken stock, and the dish can be made vegan by substituting butter and parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- Light Yet Filling: Unlike heavier cream-based sauces, the garlic butter sauce is light and bright, providing a satisfying meal that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta
To achieve the best results, consider these tips:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Undercooking the pasta slightly ensures it remains firm and doesn’t become mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Fresh Garlic Over Garlic Powder: Using fresh minced garlic brings out the dish’s robust, authentic flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but it won’t provide the same depth.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated parmesan often lacks the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality of freshly grated cheese. It’s worth the extra effort to grate it yourself for superior taste and texture.
- Pasta Water for Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, adding reserved pasta water helps to achieve the desired consistency. The starchy water also helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
The Science Behind Garlic and Butter
Garlic and butter are a powerful duo in cooking, and their synergy in this recipe is a perfect example of culinary harmony. Butter, with its rich fat content, acts as a carrier for the flavor compounds in garlic, amplifying its aroma and taste. Cooking garlic in butter over low to medium heat ensures that its sharp, raw flavors mellow into a sweet, nutty profile.
The addition of tomato paste not only enhances the dish’s flavor but also provides a dose of umami, that elusive “fifth taste” that makes food irresistible. The tomato paste caramelizes slightly during cooking, developing deeper, more complex flavors that pair beautifully with garlic and butter.
Pairing Suggestions
Garlic Butter Pasta is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas:
- Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing or a classic Caesar salad.
- Garlic Bread: For the garlic lovers, serving this pasta alongside a slice of crusty garlic bread takes the meal to the next level.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers make excellent side dishes. Their smoky, caramelized flavors provide a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Wine Pairings: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the light, buttery sauce. For red wine enthusiasts, a light-bodied option like Pinot Noir works well.
Variations to Explore
While the recipe is delicious as written, there are endless ways to tweak it based on personal preferences and dietary needs:
- Spicy Kick: Add more chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Creamy Version: Incorporate a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme can brighten the dish and add complexity.
- Whole-Grain or Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap traditional pasta for whole-grain or gluten-free options to suit dietary requirements.
- Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest adds a burst of citrusy freshness that pairs well with the garlic and butter.
Conclusion: A Recipe to Remember
Garlic Butter Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the magic of simple ingredients. With its rich, garlicky sauce and comforting textures, it’s a dish that appeals to all ages and occasions. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for the family or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe delivers every time.
The versatility of Garlic Butter Pasta ensures it can evolve with your tastes and preferences. Add a handful of fresh vegetables, top it with seared shrimp, or keep it classic with just garlic, butter, and parmesan. However you choose to enjoy it, this dish promises to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.