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The heart of a great garlic butter pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. To start, you need good quality pasta. I prefer spaghetti or linguine because they catch the sauce well. For the base, use unsalted butter. This adds rich flavor without overpowering the dish.

Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Savor the simplicity of this Garlic Butter Pasta recipe that's bursting with flavor and quick to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients, you'll learn to create a rich garlic butter sauce that elevates any meal. Explore tasty variations, perfect pairings, and clever meal prep tips to impress your family and friends. Ready to whip up a delicious dish?
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Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti or linguine

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring frequently for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn it).

      Combine with Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.

        Mix Together: Reduce heat to low, and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, then gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the garlic butter and the spinach is evenly distributed.

          Cheesy Finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring everything is well-combined.

            Serve: Plate the garlic butter pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4