After the overwhelming success of my Crispy Chicken Thighs—which was even featured on Google Feed Discovery!—I started thinking about what made that recipe resonate so much with people. I realized it’s not just about taste; it’s about simplicity, affordability, and using ingredients you already have on hand. With rising prices and busy schedules, quick, satisfying meals made with pantry staples are more essential than ever.
This Garlic Butter Pasta is inspired by that same philosophy. It’s the kind of dish that comes together in minutes, relies on a handful of basic ingredients, and tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian trattoria. The buttery, garlicky sauce clings to each strand of pasta, and the hint of chili adds just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknights, this dish is ready in about 20 minutes.
- Pantry and Fridge Staples: You probably already have everything you need—pasta, butter, garlic, Parmesan, and maybe even a few chili flakes.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients, big flavor. It doesn’t get more economical than this!
I’ll be sharing more of these “pantry-staple” recipes in the future because it’s clear this is what we’re all craving—delicious meals that don’t require a grocery trip or hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Pasta is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. It’s comforting, flavorful, and versatile—you can enjoy it as is or pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
A Note on What’s to Come
Given how much you all loved my Crispy Chicken Thighs recipe, I’m committed to bringing you more of these quick, pantry-friendly dishes. Keep an eye out for recipes that maximize flavor while minimizing effort—because delicious meals should never feel out of reach, no matter how busy life gets.
Let me know if you try this Garlic Butter Pasta, and don’t forget to share your favorite pantry staples with me in the comments! Let’s inspire each other to create more magic with what we already have.
Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried chili flakes
12 oz spaghetti or any pasta of choice
1/3 cup pasta cooking water
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. - Emulsify the Sauce:
Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir vigorously to create a smooth, glossy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust with more pasta water as needed for desired consistency. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss again to melt and incorporate. - Serve:
Plate the pasta and garnish with coarsely ground black pepper or chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Simple yet luxurious, this pasta is all about balancing flavors and textures with minimal ingredients.
