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easy garlic herb butter pasta recipe

Easy Garlic Herb Butter Pasta

Giulia, a passionate food enthusiast at Eat Every Slice, smiling in a bright kitchen filled with fresh ingredients and Italian-American inspiration.Giulia M.
A quick and delicious garlic herb butter pasta perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Large skillet for sauce
  • 1 Knife for chopping herbs and garlic

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 ounces pasta of choice
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Red pepper flakes for heat
  • Sautéed mushrooms for extra texture

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, careful not to brown it.
  • Stir in chopped parsley and basil, allowing the flavors to infuse into the butter. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat with the garlic herb butter. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.

Serving

  • Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Storage

  • Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Adjust garlic to taste. Reserve pasta water to help sauce adhere.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use any pasta shape. Substitute herbs based on availability.
How to Serve: Pair with grilled chicken or salmon. Add a garden salad for contrast.
Storage & Freshness: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
Make-Ahead Tips: Pre-chop herbs and mince garlic to save time on busy nights.
Keyword easy garlic herb butter pasta, herb butter sauce, quick pasta recipes