Homemade Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce is a delightful and indulgent dish that combines the simplicity of fresh pasta with the rich, aromatic flavors of garlic butter. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting and satisfying nature of a home-cooked Italian meal.

The process of making pasta from scratch may seem intimidating, but it is surprisingly straightforward and rewarding. When paired with a luscious garlic butter sauce, homemade pasta reaches new levels of flavor and texture. The tender, soft pasta absorbs the savory garlic-infused butter, creating a dish that is both decadent and comforting.

This recipe is not only ideal for a cozy dinner for two but also perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or family gathering. The garlic butter sauce is a timeless favorite, and when paired with homemade pasta, it takes the meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of making your homemade pasta, provide tips for cooking the perfect garlic butter sauce, and offer suggestions for customizations and pairings. By the end, you’ll have a meal that is not only delicious but also an experience that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce

• Authentic Flavor: Homemade pasta tastes much better than store-bought varieties. You can really taste the difference when it’s freshly made, and the texture is soft and tender in a way that’s impossible to replicate with pre-packaged pasta.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses only a few basic ingredients—flour, eggs, butter, garlic, and herbs. Despite its simplicity, the resulting dish is packed with flavor, showing that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest.
• Customizable: Once you’ve mastered making the pasta dough, you can experiment with different types of pasta, such as fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle. The garlic butter sauce can also be adjusted to your tastes by adding chili flakes, Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs.
• Quick and Easy: While making homemade pasta does take a little time, it is well worth the effort. Once the dough is prepared, the pasta cooks in just a few minutes, and the garlic butter sauce comes together in no time at all.
• Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade pasta, and when paired with garlic butter sauce, it creates a dish that is both familiar and indulgent.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (for the pasta and sauce)
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400-500 calories (depending on portion size and the amount of butter used)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-500 kcal
• Fat: 22-30g
• Carbohydrates: 45-55g
• Protein: 8-12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 0g

Ingredients

For the Homemade Pasta:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Water (if needed, to adjust the dough consistency)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Homemade Pasta Dough

To begin, we’ll make the pasta dough from scratch. While it’s simple, this process requires a little patience and attention to detail.

Start by placing the flour in a large bowl or on a clean countertop. Make a well in the center of the flour mound. Crack the eggs into the well and add the olive oil and salt. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs and oil, slowly incorporating the flour from the edges of the well into the wet mixture.

Once the eggs are combined with the flour and begin to form a dough, use your hands to knead the dough together. If the dough is too dry and crumbly, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. The dough should be smooth and elastic but not too wet or dry.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too stiff, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.

2. Roll the Dough Out

After the dough has rested, it’s time to roll it out into thin sheets. If you have a pasta machine, set it to the widest setting and pass the dough through it a few times. Gradually reduce the thickness setting and continue rolling the dough until it’s thin enough to see your hand through it. If you don’t have a pasta machine, you can use a rolling pin, although it may take a little longer.

Once you have a thin sheet of pasta, fold it over and cut it into your desired shape. Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle are all excellent choices for this garlic butter sauce. Dust the cut pasta with flour to prevent it from sticking together.

3. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh pasta to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until al dente. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, so be careful not to overcook it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve a little of the pasta water in case you need it to thin out the sauce later.

4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to bubble, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

If you like a little heat in your pasta, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter and garlic mixture at this point. This will infuse the sauce with a subtle heat that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the butter.

Once the garlic has softened and the butter is infused with the garlic flavor, add a little salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you want a hint of brightness in your sauce, add some lemon zest at this point. The lemon zest will give the sauce a fresh, zesty finish that balances the richness of the butter.

5. Toss the Pasta in the Sauce

Once the garlic butter sauce is ready, add the freshly cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the garlic butter. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Continue to toss until the pasta is well-coated and the sauce has melded with the noodles.

If you like, you can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta at this point. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.

6. Serve the Pasta

Once the pasta is coated in the garlic butter sauce, transfer it to serving plates. Sprinkle the pasta with some additional freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. If desired, top with more grated Parmesan cheese or a few cracks of black pepper.

Serve the homemade pasta immediately, while it’s still warm and buttery. This dish is rich, indulgent, and comforting, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a special treat.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce

• Fresh Pasta Requires Less Cooking Time: Fresh pasta cooks much faster than store-bought pasta, so keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking. It only needs about 2-3 minutes in boiling water to become al dente.
• Use High-Quality Butter: Since the garlic butter sauce is the star of the dish, using high-quality, unsalted butter makes a significant difference. The better the butter, the richer and more flavorful the sauce will be.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the pasta dough to rest for 20-30 minutes makes it easier to roll out and ensures the texture is just right. If you skip this step, your dough may be tough and difficult to work with.
• Make Ahead: You can make the pasta dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
• Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add your own twists to the garlic butter sauce. Some people like to add a bit of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce for added depth. Fresh basil or thyme also make excellent additions.
• Pairing Ideas: Homemade pasta with garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with grilled shrimp, chicken, or a light, citrusy dessert to round out the meal.

Variations of Homemade Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce

• Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: Add more lemon zest or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor of the sauce. The acidity balances the richness of the butter and complements the pasta beautifully.
• Cheesy Garlic Butter Pasta: Stir in a generous amount of grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even mozzarella for a cheesy twist to the classic garlic butter sauce.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Butter: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as basil, thyme, or sage, to infuse your butter sauce with additional flavors. These herbs pair beautifully with the garlic and add complexity to the dish.
• Spicy Garlic Butter Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the butter sauce for a spicy kick. The heat contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the butter.

Storage and Shelf Life

Homemade pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the pasta by tossing it in a skillet with a little extra butter or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.

If you have leftover garlic butter sauce, store it in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Homemade Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce

To make your meal more complete, consider pairing this dish with:

• A Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, dressed with a light vinaigrette, offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve the pasta with crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
• Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers, provide a healthy and flavorful side to balance the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the garlic butter sauce and cuts through the richness of the dish.

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Conclusion

Homemade Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce is a simple, indulgent dish that brings together the best of fresh pasta and rich, aromatic butter sauce. The process of making the pasta from scratch may take a bit of effort, but the result is well worth it. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting, homemade meal, this recipe is a winner. With just a few ingredients and some basic techniques, you can create a dish that feels both luxurious and familiar—perfect for any occasion.