Garlic Butter Pasta

Ingredients:

- 250 g spaghetti
- 40 g butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 40 g parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 60 ml reserved pasta water
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- Optional: extra parmesan for serving

Cooking method:

1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

2. Reserve the pasta water:
Before draining the spaghetti, reserve about 60 ml of the cooking water.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Cook the garlic:
Place a large skillet over low to medium heat.
Add the butter and olive oil.
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic.
Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Do not let the garlic burn.

4. Add the pasta:
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet.
Pour in about half of the reserved pasta water.
Toss well so the pasta is evenly coated with the garlic butter.

5. Add the cheese:
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the grated parmesan, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using.
Toss continuously until the cheese melts and forms a light sauce.
Add more reserved pasta water if the pasta looks too dry.

6. Finish:
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Add the chopped parsley and toss again.

7. Serve:
Divide the pasta between plates.
Top with additional parmesan and black pepper if desired.
Serve immediately while hot.

Notes:

- This recipe makes about 2 generous servings.
- Do not cook the garlic over high heat because burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-grated cheese.
- You can add cooked chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Linguine, fettuccine, or other long pasta can be used instead of spaghetti.
- For a creamier texture, add 1-2 tbsp of heavy cream before adding the parmesan.

Preparation time
5 minutes

Cooking time
15 minutes

Total time
20 minutes

Servings
2

Difficulty
Easy

Cuisine
Italian-inspired

Category
Main course