Quick Brown Butter Garlic Pasta
A simple, cozy pasta dish featuring nutty brown butter and fragrant garlic, ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners with pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Salt, for seasoning pasta water and taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-9 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste to check tenderness—pasta should be firm but cooked through. Reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, melt 6 tablespoons (85 g) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. After 3-4 minutes, the butter will start to foam and develop a nutty aroma, turning a golden brown color. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Add 4 large minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using to the browned butter. Sauté gently for 30-45 seconds until garlic is fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the brown butter garlic sauce. Toss well to coat every strand, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling. The sauce should be silky and glossy.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, salt to taste, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss again to combine flavors evenly.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Watch the butter closely while browning to avoid burning; stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Mince garlic just before cooking to keep flavor bright. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce as needed. Use fresh parsley for best flavor and freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother finish. For vegan or gluten-free adaptations, use plant-based butter and gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: brown butter, garlic pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, simple ingredients, comfort food