One-Pot Garlic Butter Pasta

Ingredients

• 180 g Spaghetti (or linguine)
• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 0.5 tsp Salt(optional)
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper(optional)
• 0.125 tsp Red pepper flakes(optional)
• 3 cups Water (for pasta cooking)
• 0.25 cup Reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt (if using) and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks (prep time ~10 minutes total), mince the garlic and grate the parmesan.

3. 3

   In the same pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).

4. 4

   Add the drained pasta to the pot and toss with the garlic butter. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce turns glossy and creamy.

5. 5

   Turn off the heat and stir in parmesan, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss well and serve immediately.