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–+ servings
A bowl of Simple Garlic Butter Pasta with Herb Finish, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Simple Garlic Butter Pasta With Herb Finish

This recipe offers a quick and flavorful garlic butter pasta dish, enhanced with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. It is designed for home cooks seeking a comforting yet elevated meal using staple ingredients and clear instructions.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Pasta Cooking 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta shells recommended
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped finely
  • 2 tablespoons basil chopped or sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons chives chopped finely
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until the butter is infused with garlic flavor.
  3. Add the drained pasta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs to the skillet. Pour in a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water.
  4. Turn off the heat and toss continuously until the cheese melts and the pasta is well coated. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese grated on top if desired.

Notes

This recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknights. The starchy pasta water is key to creating a smooth, emulsified sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

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