When life feels hectic, and dinner seems like an impossible task, this Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is here to save the day. It’s rich, indulgent, and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknights. The sauce comes together with everyday ingredients like butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Its simplicity is the charm—delivering bold flavors without needing a culinary degree or expensive groceries. You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time!
This dish is perfect for the whole family and incredibly versatile. Serve it as-is, or pair it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies to make it a complete meal. For those who want to customize, you can add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp or even throw in your favorite veggies for added texture and flavor. Whatever you decide, this pasta promises comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love It
This Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is a budget-friendly, one-pot wonder that doesn’t skimp on flavor. For less than $5, you can create a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank. The creamy, garlicky sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, impressing guests, or simply craving comfort food, this dish checks all the boxes.
Perfect for families, solo dinners, or date nights, it’s guaranteed to be a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is a budget-friendly delight that comes together in no time! Featuring a rich, cheesy sauce made with garlic, butter, and Parmesan, it’s perfect for busy families or anyone craving a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Boil the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt (this helps flavor the pasta as it cooks). Toss in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining it, as this can be used later to adjust the consistency of your sauce.
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Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
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Create the Sauce
Lower the heat and slowly pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Let the cream warm up for a minute before sprinkling in the Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
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Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every strand of pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. This step ensures the pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy
Plate the pasta and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for garnish. For a pop of color and freshness, add chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot, and watch it disappear from plates!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Sodium 380mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2.5g
- Protein 9g18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
You can also add your favorite proteins or vegetables and garnish to make this one pot meal hearty.
