The 2 Basic Ingredients You Need For A Flavorful Sauce-Free Pasta Dish

Pasta lovers know that while elaborate pasta sauces can be delightful, if you're looking to keep things simple yet flavorful, there's another non-saucy alternative worth exploring: garlic butter. It's a quick and easy way to season your food without piling on a heavy sauce. The simple combination of butter and pasta is comforting and satisfying all on its own, but when you add bold, garlicky flavor, it unlocks the secret code to an irresistible meal.

The best garlic butter recipe begins with a firm commitment to the deep aromatics that make this dish worth loving. If you're big on garlic, don't be shy to add in as much as your heart desires. Have no shame about garlic breath either as the remedy might be as simple as one ingredient: yogurt.

When preparing the pseudo-sauce, you want to remove the skins and thinly slice your garlic cloves. If you've got some garlic seasoning in your pantry, you can reach for that and add a sprinkling as an alternative to whole garlic cloves. Once your chosen garlic method is ready, melt the butter in a skillet for a few minutes before adding the garlic.

The key is to go low and slow to avoid burning it and interfering with the buttery taste. After a few minutes, you can add in your pasta (and any other ingredients, like fresh peas), and toss it around to saturate everything in this delicious butter. Consider this a simple way to enliven your weeknight pasta dinners with minimal ingredients and maximum wow factor for all at the table.

There are several ways to make your garlic butter pasta burst with additional flavor. One easy tip which those with a well-stocked seasoning cabinet will be keen to action is to get generous with the spice rack. Herbs such as rosemary or parsley are bound to add dimension and richness. Another that meshes well with garlic includes paprika for a subtle hint of smokiness.

To further enrich the taste, don't drain or throw out your pasta water once it's done cooking. Use it to thicken the butter and create an even consistency. If you're looking to swap out the butter for a vegan-friendly alternative, olive oil is a great alternative that will add the same luxurious richness.

Taking inspiration from a quick and simple pasta with Gorgonzola, pairing your garlicky butter base with cream, freshly cracked pepper, and Parmigiano-Reggiano is a perfect way to take your pasta up a notch. To replicate these flavors, add in the cheese, cream, pepper, and additional butter to a large bowl and toss in the freshly cooked garlic butter pasta. You can adjust the recipe so it's as creamy or dry as you'd like. Mix it all together to create something oozing with cheesy taste.