Toasted Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan
Simple pasta tossed in a fragrant toasted garlic butter sauce topped with freshly grated Parmesan for a comforting meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 2-3 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes to coat the pasta in the garlic butter sauce.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add brightness and color.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Toasted Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Toasted Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Toasted Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Toasted Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Toasted Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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