5-Ingredient Lazy Girl’s Garlic Butter Pasta
There are nights when the thought of cooking feels like climbing a mountain — that’s when this pasta saves the day. It’s warm, garlicky, and so comforting that it feels like a hug in a bowl. I first made this for my girlfriends during a movie night and they still talk about it! It’s become my go-to for busy evenings, or when I just want something soul-soothing without spending ages in the kitchen.
All you need is five simple ingredients and 15 minutes. No faff. No stress. Just buttery, garlicky goodness that tastes like you’ve made much more effort than you actually did.
Why This Tastes Great
- Rich, golden butter infused with garlic — the ultimate base
- The starchy pasta water helps create a luscious, glossy sauce
- Parmesan adds that salty, umami depth — simple but so satisfying
Timings
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 2 (or 1 very hungry person!)
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated fat: 14g
- Fibre: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
Ingredients
- 250g (9oz) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 40g (¼ cup) grated parmesan cheese (plus more to serve)
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan
- Small frying pan or sauté pan
- Colander
- Garlic press (optional)
- Tongs or pasta fork
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of pasta water and set aside. - Sizzle the Garlic
In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until just golden and fragrant. Don’t let it brown. - Toss It All Together
Add the drained pasta straight into the pan with the garlic butter. Toss to coat well. - Add Parmesan
Sprinkle in the parmesan and pour in a little pasta water. Toss until everything is glossy and lightly saucy. Add more water as needed. - Serve & Sprinkle
Plate up with extra parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Eat immediately!
Substitutions & Swaps
- Vegan? Use a good-quality plant-based butter and vegan hard cheese
- Gluten-free? Works great with GF pasta
- No parmesan? Try pecorino, or nutritional yeast for a savoury kick
Storage Tips
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or butter to loosen the sauce
FAQs
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Absolutely. Leftover chicken, prawns, or sautéed mushrooms all pair beautifully.
How spicy is it?
Only a little heat from the red pepper flakes — and they’re optional.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
You can, but fresh garlic really makes a difference in this dish!
5-Ingredient Lazy Girl’s Garlic Butter Pasta
There are nights when the thought of cooking feels like climbing a mountain — that’s when this pasta saves the day. It’s warm, garlicky, and so comforting that it feels like a hug in a bowl. I first made this for my girlfriends during a movie night and they still talk about it! It’s become my go-to for busy evenings, or when I just want something soul-soothing without spending ages in the kitchen.All you need is five simple ingredients and 15 minutes. No faff. No stress. Just buttery, garlicky goodness that tastes like you’ve made much more effort than you actually did.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 250 g 9oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 40 g ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more to serve)
Instructions
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of pasta water and set aside.
Sizzle the Garlic
- In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until just golden and fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
Toss It All Together
- Add the drained pasta straight into the pan with the garlic butter. Toss to coat well.
Add Parmesan
- Sprinkle in the parmesan and pour in a little pasta water. Toss until everything is glossy and lightly saucy. Add more water as needed.
Serve & Sprinkle
- Plate up with extra parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Eat immediately!
Notes
Substitutions & Swaps
Absolutely. Leftover chicken, prawns, or sautéed mushrooms all pair beautifully. How spicy is it?
Only a little heat from the red pepper flakes — and they’re optional. Can I use pre-minced garlic?
You can, but fresh garlic really makes a difference in this dish!
- Vegan? Use a good-quality plant-based butter and vegan hard cheese
- Gluten-free? Works great with GF pasta
- No parmesan? Try pecorino, or nutritional yeast for a savoury kick
Absolutely. Leftover chicken, prawns, or sautéed mushrooms all pair beautifully. How spicy is it?
Only a little heat from the red pepper flakes — and they’re optional. Can I use pre-minced garlic?
You can, but fresh garlic really makes a difference in this dish!
Nutrition
Calories: 525kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 14gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 14gSodium: 380mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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