Print

The Best Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe to Try Today

Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe with Basil and Parmesan

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Garlic-Tomato Basil Butter Pasta is a luxurious yet simple dish featuring slow-roasted garlic blended into a rich tomato basil butter, tossed with spaghetti for the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Garlic-Tomato Basil Butter:
  • 2 whole garlic bulbs (peeled)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil (just enough to cover the cloves)
  • 1/2 cup softened vegan butter (or regular)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp grated vegan parmesan (or regular)
  • Small handful fresh basil, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • For the Pasta:
  • 400 g spaghetti (or any pasta you like)
  • 1 cup pasta’s cooking water
  • Extra parmesan, basil and toasted breadcrumbs for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slow-roast the garlic: Place the peeled garlic cloves in a small saucepan and pour enough olive oil to submerge them (about ½ cup). Cook over low heat for 20 minutes, swirling occasionally, until soft and pale golden. Let cool slightly.
  2. Make the compound butter: Blend the roasted garlic with softened butter, ½ tsp salt, and a few grinds of black pepper until smooth. Stir in tomato paste, parmesan, and chopped basil. Adjust seasoning, cover, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm.
  3. Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until one minute shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Finish the dish: Return the pasta to the pot over low heat. Add 4 tbsp of the chilled garlic-tomato basil butter and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss quickly until the butter melts and forms a glossy sauce, adding more water as needed.
  5. Serve: Divide the pasta among bowls and top with extra parmesan, fresh basil, and toasted breadcrumbs if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and vegan parmesan.
  • Adjust butter quantity to your taste for a lighter or richer sauce.
  • Leftover flavored butter can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for later use.
  • Try using different pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine for variation.

Nutrition