🍳DailyRecipes
Dinner

Simple Classic Garlic and Butter Pasta

This comforting pasta dish is the ultimate quick meal for busy nights when you want something warm and delicious.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· August 13, 2026
Simple Classic Garlic and Butter Pasta
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
15 minutes
Serves
4

Pasta is my favorite thing to cook when I want a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It is simple, satisfying, and honestly makes everything feel better after a long day.

My top tip is to save a little bit of the pasta water before you drain it. Mixing that starchy water into your sauce helps it cling to the noodles and makes everything taste so much creamier.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

  3. 3

    Add the minced garlic to the butter and cook for about one minute until it smells fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.

  4. 4

    Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles.

  5. 5

    Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter and toss well to coat.

  6. 6

    Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce looks too dry.

  7. 7

    Top with fresh parsley and serve warm.

💡 Tips

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a tiny splash of water or butter to the pan to bring the sauce back to life.

#vegetarian#pasta#easy dinner#comfort food#quick meal

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