10-Minute Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta

 

Ingredients

• 225 g (8 oz) spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp garlic paste)
• ¼ cup pasta water (from the pot)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Optional: fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: a squeeze of lemon

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🥣 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

1. Bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes).
3. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

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2. Make the garlic butter sauce

4. In a large pan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
5. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant (don’t brown it).
6. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

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3. Combine

7. Add the cooked pasta to the pan.
8. Pour in ¼ cup pasta water.
9. Add Parmesan cheese and toss until the cheese melts and forms a silky sauce.
10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

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4. Serve

11. Serve hot with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
12. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness (optional but amazing).

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⭐ Tips & Variations

• Creamier version: Add 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or a splash of milk.
• Protein options: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
• Veggie boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, peas, or cherry tomatoes.
• Ultra-garlic version: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder for deeper flavor.