Ultimate Garlic Pasta Recipe 2025: Easy Garlic Butter Spaghetti (40 Min)
Looking for a quick and delicious pasta recipe that’s packed with flavor? This Garlic Pasta Recipe is one of the simplest yet most satisfying dishes you can make at home. Made with perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, this Italian-inspired dish combines the warmth of golden-fried garlic with the luxurious richness of butter and extra virgin olive oil.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility and ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and about 40 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The secret lies in the careful preparation of the garlic butter sauce, where the garlic is slowly cooked until golden, releasing its sweet, mellow flavors into the butter and oil.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
2 servings
Table of Contents
About Garlic Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Pasta has a lovely garlicky flavor with a tangy, herby taste. The taste is mellowed and not sharp or pungent. To get this subtle kick, you need to sauté the garlic until it is perfectly golden. The transformation of raw garlic into sweet, mellow golden bits is what makes this dish special.
While I prefer to make this Garlic Pasta Recipe with a combination of extra virgin olive oil and butter, you can customize it to your liking. The recipe works best with spaghetti or other long pasta like linguine, as the sauce is light and coats the strands perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 250 grams spaghetti
- 1.5 teaspoons salt (for pasta water)
- 5 cups water
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (6-8 cloves)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
For Finishing:
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons chopped basil
Ingredient Measurements Conversion Table
| Ingredient | US Cups | Grams | Ounces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 2¾ cups | 250g | 8.8 oz |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | 45g | 1.6 oz |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp | 15ml | 0.5 oz |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook Pasta
-
Begin by boiling 5 cups water with 1.5 teaspoons salt in a pot or saucepan.
-
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water carefully. Do not break them – they will soften as they cook and can then be fully submerged.
-
Cook until al dente (with a slight bite in the center). Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce
-
In a large sauté pan, combine butter and olive oil over low heat until the butter melts.
-
Add minced garlic and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden. Watch carefully as garlic can burn quickly.
-
Once golden, add smoked paprika and black pepper. Stir to combine.
-
Add the reserved pasta water and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and emulsifies.
Combine and Finish
-
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce using tongs.
-
Toss well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the pasta is well-coated and any excess liquid has been absorbed.
-
Add lemon juice and fresh herbs (parsley and basil). Toss to combine.
-
Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Frozen garlic may not work as well.
- Watch the garlic carefully while cooking – it can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
- The pasta water is crucial for creating a silky sauce – don’t forget to reserve some before draining.
- For best results, use good quality butter and extra virgin olive oil.
- Fresh herbs add brightness and flavor – try to use fresh rather than dried when possible.
Recipe Variations
Recipe Variations Comparison Table
| Version | Key Ingredients | Cooking Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Garlic, Butter, Olive Oil | 40 min | Easy |
| Vegan | Garlic, Olive Oil, Vegan Butter | 35 min | Easy |
| Spicy | Garlic, Butter, Red Pepper | 40 min | Easy |
Storage Instructions
This Garlic Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat:
- Stovetop Method: Warm gently in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil.
- Microwave Method: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, with a sprinkle of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 696 | 35% |
| Total Fat | 26g | 33% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 98g | 36% |
| Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Sugar | 3g | – |
| Sodium | 890mg | 39% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the garlic butter sauce made of?
The garlic butter sauce is made with minced garlic, butter, extra virgin olive oil, smoked paprika, and black pepper. The sauce is enriched with starchy pasta water and finished with fresh herbs.
What happens when you add butter to pasta?
Butter creates a rich, velvety coating on the pasta, enhancing flavor and providing a creamy texture. It also helps bind the sauce to the pasta, making it more luxurious.
How do you reheat the Garlic Butter Pasta?
Gently warm it in a pan over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave with a sprinkle of water, stirring occasionally.
Do you need to add garlic in the pasta sauce?
While garlic is key for flavor and depth, you can adjust the amount or use garlic powder for a milder taste. The dish can be made without garlic, though it will have a different flavor profile.
How do I thicken the garlic butter sauce?
The sauce can be thickened by adding grated Parmesan cheese or using more starchy pasta water. The starch in the pasta water helps create a thicker, more cohesive sauce.
Final Tips & Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Pasta recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when prepared with care, can create an extraordinary dish. The key lies in achieving that perfect golden color for the garlic and creating a well-emulsified sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
Best Ways to Serve:
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs and Parmesan
Menu Planning:
Make it a complete Italian-inspired meal by serving with:
- A light Caesar salad
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A glass of white wine
Remember These Points:
- Don’t rush the garlic cooking process
- Always reserve some pasta water
- Serve immediately for the best texture
- Adjust seasonings to your taste
