20-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta

Name: 20-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 tbsp butter (unsalted); 1/2 count onion (finely chopped); 4-5 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp chili flakes; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp basil (optional); 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan; 1/4 cup pasta water; 8 ounces dry pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or any other long pasta)

This quick and easy Garlic Butter Pasta recipe delivers a flavorful meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner. It features tender pasta coated in a rich garlic-butter sauce, enhanced with aromatic onions, a blend of Italian spices like oregano and basil, a hint of chili flakes for a subtle kick, and finished with fresh Parmesan cheese and a touch of starchy pasta water for a creamy consistency.

#pasta

#dinner

#easy recipe

#20-minute meals

#parmesan

#garlic butter

#quick meal

#comfort food

Freshly cooked pasta

Recipe Information

Prep Time

15m

Cook Time

20m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Italian-American

English

Nutrition (per serving)

430

Calories

15g

Protein

52g

Carbs

18g

Fat

Sautéing garlic and onions

Ingredients

Servings: 3

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Pasta mixed with sauce and cheese

Instructions

0/5 completed

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
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10m
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
10m
Ensure the water is generously salted for flavorful pasta.
2
While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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4m
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While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4m
Don't rush this step; softening the onion properly builds flavor.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the salt, black pepper, chili flakes, oregano, and basil (if using).
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2m
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Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the salt, black pepper, chili flakes, oregano, and basil (if using).
2m
Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it and stir continuously.
4
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Pour in the reserved 1/4 cup of pasta water and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
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2m
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Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Pour in the reserved 1/4 cup of pasta water and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
2m
The pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta better.
5
Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
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2m
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Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
2m
For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.