10-Minute Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta

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🍝 10-Minute Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta

⏱ Total Time: 10 minutes

👥 Serves: 2–3

⭐ Difficulty: Easy

🌟 Ingredients

  • 225 g (8 oz) spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp garlic paste)
  • ¼ cup pasta water (from the pot)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: a squeeze of lemon

🥣 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

  1. Bring salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes).
  3. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Make the garlic butter sauce

  1. In a large pan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant (don’t brown it).
  3. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

3. Combine

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the pan.
  2. Pour in ¼ cup pasta water.
  3. Add Parmesan cheese and toss until the cheese melts and forms a silky sauce.
  4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Serve

  1. Serve hot with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
  2. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness (optional but amazing).

⭐ Tips & Variations

  • Creamier version: Add 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or a splash of milk.
  • Protein options: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
  • Veggie boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, peas, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Ultra-garlic version: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder for deeper flavor.

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