Description
This Garlic Herb Butter Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a simple weeknight meal. Combining al dente pasta with a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce, fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, it offers a comforting and aromatic taste experience that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (shells recommended)
sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons basil, chopped or sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining to use in the sauce.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about one minute while stirring frequently to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
- Reserve pasta water: Just before draining the pasta, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to help create the sauce.
- Combine pasta with sauce and herbs: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the parmesan cheese and fresh herbs (parsley, basil, chives). Pour in a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and turn off the heat. Toss continuously until the cheese melts and the pasta is evenly coated. Add more pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Season and serve: Season the pasta generously with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra grated parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to create a creamy sauce and help the cheese melt smoothly.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness or omit for a milder dish.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or adjusted based on preference; parsley, basil, and chives complement the flavors well.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
