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.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 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
For the Pangrattato
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably homemade or panko)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, grated or finely minced
- Pinch of salt
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: garlic butter pasta, pangrattato, easy pasta sauce, Italian pasta recipe, buttery garlic sauce, quick pasta, vegetarian pasta
