Here’s a simple and indulgent recipe for a Baked Garlic Butter Pasta Dish—creamy, garlicky, and perfect as a comforting meal.
Ingredients (serves 2–3)
- 8 oz (about 225 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
- Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water 1–2 minutes less than package instructions (it will bake later). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t burn).
- Stir in cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional herbs/red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Mix cooked pasta with the garlic butter sauce.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Optional Topping:
- Sprinkle with mozzarella, extra Parmesan, or breadcrumbs for a crispy top.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan. Enjoy warm!
💡 Tips:
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a fuller meal.
- For extra flavor, stir in a teaspoon of garlic-infused olive oil before baking.
If you want, I can give a creamy version that uses less cream but still stays rich and cheesy, perfect for a lighter but still indulgent baked pasta. Do you want me to do that?
