Garlic Butter Pasta for One
A quick and comforting solo meal made with pantry staples. This garlic butter pasta is perfectly portioned for one, making weeknight cooking effortless and waste-free.
Ingredients
- 4 oz spaghetti about ⅓ of a standard box
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- grated Parmesan cheese optional but recommended
Instructions
- Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In a small nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, if using.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the noodles in the butter sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a protein boost, toss in cooked shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
