Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of perfectly cooked pasta, glistening with golden butter, and bursting with the aromatic flavors of fresh garlic and herbs. This Buttered Garlic and Herb Pasta isn't just a meal—it's a culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or someone who craves authentic Italian flavors, this recipe promises to elevate your pasta game with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. The water should taste slightly salty, similar to the ocean, as this will help flavor the pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 8 ounces of pasta to the pot. Stir gently to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic and herb mixture. In a medium-sized skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to foam and become fragrant, but do not let it brown.
- Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Once the garlic is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the chopped fresh parsley and basil to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as this will wash away the starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic and herb mixture. Toss the pasta in the skillet to coat it evenly with the butter and herbs. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is well-coated and heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the buttered garlic and herb pasta immediately, garnished with extra chopped parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Salt Your Water Generously: The key to flavorful pasta starts with the water. Make it as salty as seawater to ensure your pasta is seasoned from the inside out.
- Watch Your Garlic Carefully: Garlic can quickly go from fragrant to burnt. Keep the heat medium-low and stir constantly to prevent bitterness.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy cooking water is liquid gold! It helps create a silky sauce and helps the butter and herbs cling to the pasta.
- Don't Rinse Your Pasta: Rinsing washes away the starch that helps sauce adhere. Drain, but don't wash.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan. The butter and herbs are most fragrant and flavorful when fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 7g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 26mg
