I’ve been making this butter garlic pasta sauce recipe for years, and it’s still a staple in our household. My kids love it, my husband loves it, and I love how easy it is to make. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it with pasta, as a sauce for meatballs or sausages, or even as a dip for veggies.
The flavors are rich and savory, with just the right balance of tangy and sweet. I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years to get it just right, and I’m happy to share it with you now. Growing up, my family would often have Italian food nights, where we’d make homemade pasta sauce from scratch.
This recipe reminds me of those nights – the smell of garlic and butter simmering on the stovetop is like a warm hug. My kids have grown up eating this sauce, and they still request it whenever they can. One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.
You can add in different herbs or spices to give it your own unique flavor. And because it makes such a large batch, you can freeze some for later or use it as a base for other sauces. It’s also great for meal prep – just cook up a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
As for the health benefits, I should note that this sauce is relatively low in calories compared to other pasta sauces out there. It’s also made with wholesome ingredients that are easy on the stomach. Of course, you can always adjust the amount of garlic or butter to suit your taste.
Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce
4.5 from 1811 votes
A rich and flavorful butter garlic pasta sauce that coats every strand of pasta with savory goodness. This quick sauce uses simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish in minutes.
1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
5Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
6Drain the pasta well and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic butter, tossing to coat evenly.
7Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and add about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
8Toss vigorously until the sauce becomes creamy and clings to the pasta, adding more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
9Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
10Season with salt to taste, then serve immediately while hot.
For a richer flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter and freshly grated Parmesan. Adjust the garlic amount to your preference; roasting the garlic first adds a milder, sweeter taste. This sauce is best served immediately as it thickens upon cooling.
Watch Video Of How Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce Works
This butter garlic pasta sauce recipe is a staple in our household because of its ease of use and versatility.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious on the table.
And because it makes such a large batch, you can easily store leftovers in the fridge for later use or freeze them for later meals.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce
Q: What type of pasta should I use with this sauce?
A: You can use any type of pasta you like – spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine – but I find that shorter shapes like penne or macaroni work best because they hold onto the sauce so well.
Q: Can I make this sauce in advance?
A: Yes, you can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for later use.
Q: Is this sauce gluten-free?
A: Yes, this sauce is gluten-free as long as you’re using gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to customize the flavor?
A: Absolutely! You can add in different herbs or spices to give this sauce your own unique flavor.
Q: How do I reheat leftover pasta with this sauce?
A: Simply reheat the leftover pasta with some additional butter or olive oil until warmed through.
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