Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Tongs
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- None
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 300mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Spaghetti can be substituted with any type of pasta.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter or olive oil.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any type of grated cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or vegetables to the pasta for a heartier meal.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Reserve pasta water before draining to use for adjusting the sauce consistency.
- Use a microplane to grate garlic for a smoother texture.
- Use tongs to toss the pasta with the sauce for even distribution.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- If the garlic burns, start over with fresh garlic and lower the heat.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente to avoid overcooking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Garlic butter pasta is a classic Italian dish that originated in the southern region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Buttery
- Garlicky
- Spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish or side dish.
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Region: Italian