Creamy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes, this easy Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of weeknight comfort food you'll crave again and again. Made with simple pantry staples, it's rich, garlicky, and completely satisfying.
This easy garlic and butter pasta is comfort food at its easiest, creamy, rich, and full of garlicky goodness. With tender linguine, buttery sautéed shallots, and a smooth parmesan cream sauce, every bite delivers simple flavor done right. Perfect for nights when you're craving comfort but don't want to spend hours cooking.
Craving more garlicky goodness, you'll love these other flavorful dishes like garlic butter chicken bites and skin on mashed potatoes.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal prep, this garlic butter pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: A rich butter garlic pasta sauce, combined with creamy parmesan and Italian seasoning, makes every bite satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: The mild butter and garlic pasta flavor is comforting and kid-approved.
- Versatile: Works well with any long pasta and pairs easily with proteins or veggies.
Ingredients
- Linguine Pasta: Use ½ pound of linguine, or swap it with spaghetti to create a garlic butter spaghetti dish if that's what you have on hand; fettuccine noodles also work and are the main ingredient in our fettuccine Alfredo pasta.
- Shallot and Garlic: Finely diced shallots bring a gentle sweetness and mild onion flavor that enhances the sauce's complexity. Fresh garlic is essential here; it's the star of this butter garlic pasta.
- Half and Half: Adds a creamy richness without being too heavy. Keep it cold until you add it to the pan to prevent curdling, and stir often to help it blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a rich, cheesy finish that rounds out the flavors well.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep the same creamy texture and garlic butter sauce without gluten.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or steak to turn this pasta into a more filling meal.
- Veggie Upgrade: Toss in steamed broccoli, roasted cherry tomatoes, or sautéed spinach and mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
- Creamy Cheesy Boost: Mix in creamy goat cheese or ricotta for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Herb Mix-Ins: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme stirred in at the end brighten the dish and add a fresh, aromatic touch.
How to Make Garlic and Butter Pasta
This garlic and butter pasta comes together quickly, making it a great choice for a satisfying weeknight meal. Before you start, have all your ingredients ready and a large pot of salted water boiling for the pasta.
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Boil the linguine in salted water according to the package instructions until it's just al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Garlic. Cook the finely diced shallots and minced garlic in butter until they're soft and fragrant but not browned-about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Make the Sauce. Pour in the half and half, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir occasionally as the sauce warms and starts to bubble gently. Whisk in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This will thicken the sauce and add a delicious cheesy flavor.
- Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce. Toss the pasta with the sauce to coat every strand with the garlic butter sauce. Cook together for another minute to let the flavors meld. Serve and pair with French bread pizza for a crowd-pleasing combination everyone will love.
Hint: Flavor Boost Idea
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic for a subtle tang and depth.
Expert Tips
- Use Salted Water for Pasta: Adding enough salt to the boiling water seasons the pasta from the inside, boosting the overall flavor of your dish.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when tossed with the sauce later.
- Melt Butter Gently: Melt the butter over medium heat and avoid browning the garlic to keep the sauce smooth and prevent bitterness.
- Add Half and Half Slowly: Pour the half and half gradually while whisking to ensure a creamy, well-emulsified sauce without curdling.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce Off Heat: Combine the pasta with the sauce off the heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming too thin.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the pasta gently in the microwave on medium power in 30 to 60-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating and to keep the sauce creamy. Alternatively, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it as a satisfying lunch with this fresh cucumber tomato salad for a crisp, refreshing contrast.
- This garlic and butter pasta is a quick and comforting choice for busy weeknight dinners. Serve it alongside an easy skillet chicken or grilled teriyaki chicken to add protein and keep the meal hearty, then finish the meal off with this sweet and easy strawberry poke cake.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can freeze this pasta dish, but keep in mind that the creamy sauce may separate or become grainy when thawed and reheated. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making it.
Make sure to stir the sauce gently over medium heat and avoid boiling it. Adding cheese slowly and tossing the pasta off heat can help maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Yes, this recipe doubles easily! Just make sure to use a large enough skillet or pot for the sauce and pasta to mix evenly, and adjust the seasoning to taste as you scale up.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes
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Garlic Butter Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine pasta or any other long pasta like spaghetti
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 shallot finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1¼ cup half and half
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter and sauté the shallots and garlic until soft.
- Whisk in half and half, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Occasionally stir until the sauce starts to bubble. Then, whisk in the parmesan cheese until it is completely melted.
- Add pasta into the sauce and toss to coat.
Notes
- Gently melt the butter and sauté the garlic over medium heat to avoid burning and keep the flavor smooth.
- Parmesan cheese melts best when added gradually; whisk it in slowly to get a silky sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days, and add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
- This recipe easily doubles for a crowd, just use a larger skillet and taste as you go when adjusting seasoning.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
Such a great recipe for a simple and tasty pasta dish.