Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and comforting meal made with spaghetti tossed in a rich, silky garlic butter and Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be enjoyed on its own or served with shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
Perfect for busy nights.
⏱️ Time Prep: 5 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Total: 20 minutes
🍽️ Serves
2–3
Ingredients
Base Pasta
- 250g spaghetti
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cream (cooking cream or heavy cream)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 1 cup pasta water (saved from boiling)
- Salt & pepper to taste
2. Optional Protein (Optional)
- 200–250g peeled and deveined shrimp
- OR 1 chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
- Save 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Cook Your Protein (Optional)
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp or chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- For shrimp: Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
- For chicken: Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, melt remaining butter.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds (don’t brown).
- Pour in cream.
- Add parmesan and stir until smooth.
- Add ½ cup pasta water to loosen the sauce.
4. Combine Everything
- Add cooked spaghetti into the sauce.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Add more pasta water if needed to make it extra silky.
- Fold in shrimp or chicken if using.
5. Serve
- Garnish with parmesan, parsley, and black pepper.
⭐ Tip
Perfect for a busy weeknight — quick to prepare, simple to make, and deliciously creamy