Quick Brown Butter & Garlic Pasta
A quick, rich, and savory 3-ingredient pasta dish ready in 10 minutes.
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Rate this RecipeEquipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot For Boiling Pasta
- Tongs
- Ladle
- Colander
Ingredients
- 8 ounce spaghetti (approximately 225 g)
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter (approximately 56 g)
- 2 clove garlic cloves
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (approximately 50 g)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (approximately 120 ml)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by cooking about 8 oz (approximately 225 g) of dried spaghetti in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. While the pasta is cooking, melt 4 tbsp (about 56 g) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Keep a close eye on the butter, as it will foam up before gradually turning a light golden hue, eventually releasing a toasty, nutty aroma. Once the butter reaches a soft brown shade, add 2 finely minced garlic cloves and stir gently, allowing the garlic to sizzle and soften for about 1 minute. Promptly ladle in around ½ cup (120 ml) of the starchy pasta cooking water—the liquid will help the sauce emulsify, transforming the mixture into a velvety coating that will cling to your pasta strands.
- Once your pasta is about one minute shy of perfectly al dente, drain it, reserving a bit more pasta water just in case. Transfer the hot pasta to the skillet with the brown butter and garlic sauce, then add approximately ½ cup (50 g) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss continuously with tongs, ensuring that the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a luxurious, glossy finish. Taste and adjust with black pepper as desired. Thanks to the Parmesan and the salted pasta water, you may not need extra salt. Continue tossing for a few moments until the pasta is coated and cooked to your preferred tenderness.
- Gently twirl portions of the finished pasta into shallow bowls. Garnish lightly with additional grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh black pepper, and perhaps a handful of chopped parsley for color. Serve immediately to appreciate the delicate aroma and creamy, nutty flavor while it’s at its peak.
Notes
For extra creaminess, reserve a bit more pasta water and add it slowly until you reach your desired sauce consistency.