Name: Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (pappardelle, rigatoni, or your favorite shape); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, plus extra for serving; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably homemade or panko); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 clove garlic, grated or finely minced; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a pasta dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in a flash, the Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce is your new best friend. This sauce brings a perfect balance of rich, velvety butter infused with fragrant garlic, enhanced by a subtle hint of chili flakes and the creamy meltiness of fresh Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. Each bite boasts luxurious comfort with a delightful crunch from golden pangrattato breadcrumbs, creating a dish that’s both simple and spectacular. Whether as a quick weeknight rescue or an impressive surprise for guests, this Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce will quickly become a staple you turn to over and over.

Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce lies in a handful of straightforward, high-quality ingredients that come together to create layers of incredible flavor. Each component plays a carefully crafted role, from the luscious butter that carries the sauce, to the fragrant garlic and the peppery cheese that adds depth and richness.

12 oz pasta: Choose pappardelle, rigatoni, or your favorite shape to hold the sauce beautifully.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a creamy, silky base that coats each strand of pasta.
4 cloves garlic, finely minced: Delivers that aromatic punch essential to the sauce’s character.
1/2 cup reserved pasta water: Perfect for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional): Adds a subtle, warming heat that lifts the sauce.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, plus extra for serving: Melts into the sauce for savory richness with a touch of tang.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Offers a fresh herbal brightness and color contrast.
For the pangrattato: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably homemade or panko) toasty and crisp.
2 tablespoons olive oil: To toast the breadcrumbs to golden perfection.
1 clove garlic, grated or finely minced: Adds an extra layer of garlic flavor to the crunchy topping.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the pangrattato.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your choice of pasta. Cooking it until just al dente ensures the noodles have the perfect bite while soaking up the sauce beautifully. Before draining, be sure to reserve half a cup of pasta water—it’s a little secret that will help marry the sauce and pasta in the next steps, making the dish irresistibly silky.

Step 2: Prepare the Pangrattato

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a small skillet. Add breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt, stirring constantly to toast the crumbs evenly. This simple breadcrumb topping transforms into golden, crunchy pangrattato that adds a wonderful texture contrast and bursts of garlicky flavor when you sprinkle it over the plated pasta.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat to avoid browning it. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until you can smell that sweet, savory aroma—about 1 to 2 minutes. If you love a little spicy kick, stir in some red chili flakes here. This step creates the luscious Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce, the heart of the dish, with all its warm and buttery goodness.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, then pour in the reserved pasta water. Toss everything so each noodle is generously coated in the buttery, garlicky sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese. The cheese will melt and create a creamy, luxurious coating that clings beautifully to every bite.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Divide the pasta into individual bowls or plates. Sprinkle the crispy pangrattato on top for that delightful crunch, add an extra shower of grated cheese, and finish with a pinch of fresh parsley for both color and a touch of herbal brightness. Serve immediately, because this dish is best enjoyed warm and freshly garnished.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a little extra fresh parsley, or even a few freshly cracked black peppercorns elevate the presentation and flavors. For a vibrant note, try adding lemon zest or a light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil—these simple garnishes make the dish feel special and complete.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce shines beautifully when paired with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a simple garlic bread. A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or blistered cherry tomatoes can complement the richness perfectly, balancing the meal with a fresh, lively contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve this pasta topped with grilled shrimp or seared chicken breast for a protein boost. You can also fold in wilted spinach or kale directly into the sauce to sneak in extra greens without losing any of the creamy deliciousness. For mushroom lovers, lightly sautéed mushrooms in the garlic butter add another layer of earthy flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce and pasta can be refrigerated together in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the pangrattato separate and only add just before serving to preserve its crispy texture. When you’re ready, gently reheat to maintain the sauce’s silky texture without drying out the pasta.

Freezing

While the Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce itself freezes well, pasta textures can suffer. If you want to freeze it, store just the sauce in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth and luscious. Avoid high heat to prevent the butter from separating or garlic from burning—which can easily throw off that perfect balance.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta with Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce?

Absolutely! This sauce is remarkably versatile and pairs well with most pasta shapes. Wide ribbons like pappardelle hold the sauce beautifully, but rigatoni, spaghetti, or even smaller shapes like penne work wonderfully. Choose your favorite to tailor the dish to your mood.

Is the red chili flakes ingredient necessary?

Not at all. The chili flakes add a gentle heat that brightens the sauce, but they are entirely optional. If you prefer a milder dish or want to make it kid-friendly, feel free to skip them. The sauce shines beautifully even without the spice.

What if I don’t have Parmesan or Pecorino Romano?

While Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds a quintessential salty richness and umami, you can substitute with other hard cheeses you have on hand, such as Grana Padano or Asiago. Keep in mind that the flavor and saltiness may vary slightly, but no matter what, cheese adds a wonderful creamy finish.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can absolutely adapt it! Use vegan butter and substitute the cheese with a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. For the pangrattato, stick to vegan-friendly breadcrumbs. The result will be a delicious, buttery, garlicky sauce that’s completely animal-free.

How do I get the garlic butter sauce to not taste burnt or bitter?

It’s all about the heat and timing. Cook the garlic slowly over medium-low heat just until fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes—and avoid letting it brown. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and will overpower the sauce, so keep an eye on it and stir frequently to keep things perfectly mellow and fragrant.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce that combines simplicity with so much flavor and comfort. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate yet comes together with hardly any fuss. Once you try making it, you’ll find this sauce becoming a go-to favorite, ready to bring joy to casual dinners or impress guests effortlessly. So grab your skillet, start melting that butter, and get ready to fall in love with pasta all over again.

Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dish featuring silky garlic butter sauce, nutty Parmesan cheese, and crunchy pangrattato. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal that can be customized with herbs, proteins, or vegetables.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
Make the pangrattato: In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Prepare the garlic butter sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Stir in the red chili flakes if using.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the buttery sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese until it melts and creates a creamy coating.
Plate and garnish: Divide the pasta into bowls. Top with the crispy pangrattato, additional grated cheese, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately: Enjoy your dish warm, offering extra cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

For a bright citrus flavor, add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Experiment with herbs like thyme, basil, or chives for enhanced freshness.
Add protein such as sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or crispy pancetta for a more robust meal.
Sauté sliced mushrooms in the butter before adding garlic for an earthy twist.
Include wilted spinach, kale, or roasted cherry tomatoes to turn this into a vegetarian delight with added nutrients and color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian