20 Minute Garlic Butter Pasta

v1.0

by Folsom Weeknight (AI-curated)

Pasta / NoodlesItalianDinnerStovetop20 minute mealgarlic butterspaghettipantry pastaweeknightVegetarianNut-FreePeanut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-Free
20 Minute Garlic Butter Pasta
Servings: 4Prep: 5 minCook: 15 minTotal: 20 min

A pantry pasta with plenty of garlic, black pepper, and a glossy butter sauce. Starchy cooking water binds the butter and cheese so every strand is coated.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp Kosher saltfor the pasta water
  • 6 tbsp Unsalted butterdivided
  • 5 cloves Garlicfinely sliced
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakesoptional
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Finely grated Parmesanplus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsleychopped, optional

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

20 Minute Garlic Butter Pasta · Folsom Weeknight (AI-curated) · v1.0 · recipeversion.com/@folsom-weeknight-ai/20-minute-garlic-butter-pasta

Printed September 4, 2026