Garlic butter pasta is one of the easiest 30-minute stovetop meals you can make that still packs a flavorful punch! Serve it as a side dish or main course with either chicken, shrimp, or steak.
Why this recipe works
When we say simple, we mean simple. A bit of butter, minced garlic, salt & pepper, cornstarch, plus spaghetti come together to create this easy garlic butter pasta dish. Sometimes the simplest of recipes make the most satisfying meals.
Garlic butter pasta can be served as a side dish when you’re looking to add some starch to the plate, but it can also be “beefed up” with the addition of protein. Garlic butter shrimp is my first choice for tossing into this pasta but sliced chicken breast or juicy steak fits the bill just as well.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
PASTA – We chose to use spaghetti but really any pasta shape would be great doused in garlic butter sauce! Try this recipe with cavatappi, penne, fettuccine, linguine, angel hair, bowtie, or shells if desired.
How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted.
- Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Combine cornstarch and water, gradually pour into skillet, whisking to combine.
- Whisk in salt and pepper, the mixture should be boiling gently and beginning to thicken.
- Stir in cooked spaghetti noodles, turning to coat.
- Add in slivered garlic, stirring to combine, and gently heat through.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat the pasta in either the microwave or on the stovetop. Optionally add a small splash of water or a pat of butter to help remoisten if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your garlic butter pasta alongside a big juicy cast iron ribeye or with other proteins such as pork, chicken, shrimp, scallops, or salmon. Or, feel free to toss the protein into the pasta to make a complete meal out of it.
Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly shredded parmesan cheese. Leftovers are just as good chilled or reheated. Enjoy!
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Garlic Butter Pasta
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces spaghetti 1/2 pound, cooked al dente according to package directions
- 1 clove fresh garlic slivered
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- Store leftover garlic butter pasta in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the pasta in either the microwave or on the stovetop. Optionally add a small splash of water or a pat of butter to help remoisten if needed.
Instructions
- Heat butter in skillet over medium-high heat until melted.
- Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Combine cornstarch and water, gradually pour into skillet, whisking to combine.
- Whisk in salt and pepper, mixture should be boiling gently and beginning to thicken.
- Stir in cooked spaghetti noodles, turning to coat.
- Add in slivered garlic, stirring to combine, and gently heat through.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- We chose to use spaghetti but really any pasta shape would be great here. Try it with cavatappi, penne, fettuccine, linguine, angel hair, bowtie, or shells if desired.
Nutrition
Chef Antoine Davis
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John says
Very tasty!