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garlic butter pasta plated with herbs

Garlic Butter Sauce for Pasta: Quick, Creamy & Foolproof

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A rich and easy garlic butter sauce for pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with pantry staples and ready in under 15 minutes.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Optional: red pepper flakes, herbs, cream, or Parmesan

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and cook until golden.

3. Pour in pasta water and stir to emulsify.

4. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.

5. Finish with herbs, cheese, or chili flakes as desired.

Notes

Use unsalted butter to control sodium.

Do not brown the garlic — just golden.

Add pasta water gradually for best texture.

  • Author: hcbrahim
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg