Why Make This Recipe

Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet delicious dish that brings out the rich flavors of garlic combined with smooth butter. It’s quick to make, requires few ingredients, and can easily become a favorite in your home. Whether you are cooking for yourself or family, this pasta dish offers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta

Ingredients

2 whole garlic bulbs (peeled)
1/2 cup olive oil (just enough to cover the cloves)
1/2 cup softened vegan butter (or regular)
1 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp grated vegan parmesan (or regular)
Small handful fresh basil, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
400 g spaghetti (or any pasta you like)
1 cup pasta’s cooking water
Extra parmesan, basil, and toasted breadcrumbs for topping (optional)

Directions

Slow-Roast the Garlic: Place the peeled garlic cloves in a small saucepan and pour in enough olive oil to cover them completely. Set the pan over low heat and cook for about 20 minutes. Keep swirling now and then until the garlic becomes soft and pale golden. Let it cool for a minute.
Make the Compound Butter: Scoop the roasted garlic into a blender. Add the softened butter, ½ tsp salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Blend until smooth. Transfer the mixture into a bowl, stir in the tomato paste, parmesan, and chopped basil. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Cover and refrigerate until it firms up enough to scoop, about 30 minutes. You’ll have roughly ¾ cup (12 tablespoons) of flavored butter.
Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with well-salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it until one minute shy of al dente. Just before draining, ladle out about a cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta.
Finish the Dish: Return the hot pasta to the empty pot over low heat. Add 4 tablespoons of the chilled garlic-tomato basil butter (that’s 1 tablespoon per 100 g of pasta) and a generous splash of the reserved cooking water. Toss quickly until the butter melts and creates a glossy sauce that coats the noodles, adding more water a little at a time if necessary.
Serve: Divide the pasta among warm bowls. Top with extra parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and toasted breadcrumbs if you desire.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pasta

Serve Garlic Butter Pasta warm in bowls. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some additional parmesan, fresh basil, and toasted breadcrumbs on top. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

How to Store Garlic Butter Pasta

You can store leftover Garlic Butter Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet, adding a splash of water to help loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Garlic Butter Pasta

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Adjust the garlic quantity based on your taste preference.
Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
Save some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency when reheating.

Variation

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when making the compound butter. You can also substitute the spaghetti with any pasta of your choice, such as penne or fettuccine.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can use vegan butter and vegan parmesan to make Garlic Butter Pasta completely plant-based.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

3. Is it possible to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried basil if necessary. Just reduce the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Garlic Butter Pasta