20 Minute Garlic Butter Pasta

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Tongs

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt, then cook the spaghetti until 1 minute short of al dente.

   ⏱ 10 min

2. 2

   Before draining, scoop out 1 1/2 cups of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta.

   ⏱ 1 min

3. 3

   Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant and pale gold, not brown.

   ⏱ 3 min

4. 4

   Add the drained pasta, black pepper, and 1/2 cup pasta water to the skillet. Toss briskly over medium heat until the liquid looks glossy.

   ⏱ 2 min

5. 5

   Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the remaining butter and Parmesan a little at a time, tossing until smooth. Add more pasta water by the tablespoon if the sauce is tight.

   ⏱ 2 min

6. 6

   Taste and adjust the salt. Finish with parsley and more Parmesan, then serve immediately.

   ⏱ 1 min