Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, glistening with a luxurious garlic butter sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This simple yet incredibly delicious Italian-inspired recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive and tastes even better. Get ready to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the bow tie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Be careful not to brown the butter.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and continue tossing to distribute herbs evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to create a silkier consistency.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Salt is your flavor friend: Use plenty of salt in your pasta water to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Watch your garlic carefully: Sauté garlic on medium-low heat to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Al dente is key: Cook pasta just until it's tender but still has a slight bite - this ensures the perfect texture.
- Save some pasta water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps the butter and herbs cling to the pasta.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Use freshly chopped parsley for the brightest flavor and most vibrant color.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan to the plate.
- Optional upgrades: Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 55mg
