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Creamy garlic butter pasta in a speckled bowl on a white rustic timber table, topped with parmesan and herbs, with a fork lifting spaghetti and a glass of white wine in the background

4 Ingredient Garlic Butter Pasta

A quick, cheap pasta made with pantry staples. Rich, garlicky, and ready in 15 minutes.
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Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keyword: 5 ingredient pasta, budget pasta recipe, garlic butter pasta, quick dinner
Servings: 2
Author: Kate Brodhurst

Ingredients

  • 250g dried pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccini or linguini
  • 60g butter
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  • Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss to combine.
  • Stir through parmesan. Gradually add more pasta water until sauce is glossy and coats the pasta.
  • Taste and season with salt if required. Garnish with some chopped fresh herbs (if you have any at home) and serve immediately.

Notes

  • MEASUREMENTS
    This recipe uses Australian cups and tablespoons. 1 teaspoon = 5 ml, 1 tablespoon = 20 ml and 1 cup = 250 ml.
  • PASTA WATER
    Add gradually to control the sauce texture.
  • KEEP THE HEAT LOW
    Prevents garlic from burning and cheese from clumping.
  • CHEESE
    Its best to grate your own parmesan. It melts smoother and improves texture as there is no anti-caking agents added.