Roasted Garlic Butter Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 garlic (bulbs, peeled)
• 0.5 cup olive oil (enough to cover garlic bulbs)
• 1 lb pasta (any shape, such as spaghetti or rigatoni)
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3 leaves fresh basil
• 0.25 cup pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta)
• 1 tbsp chili crisp (optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the peeled garlic bulbs in a small pot over low heat.

2. 2

   Cover the garlic completely with olive oil, ensuring the tops are submerged.

3. 3

   Cook the garlic in the oil for approximately 20 minutes, stirring gradually to prevent burning, until the garlic is soft and browned.

4. 4

   While the garlic is roasting, boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a scoop of pasta water before draining.

5. 5

   Remove the softened garlic from the oil and place it in a blender or food processor.

6. 6

   Add 1 cup of butter, a pinch of salt, and pepper to the garlic. Blend until smooth.

7. 7

   Add 4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and a few leaves of fresh basil to the butter mixture. Pulse or blend until combined.

8. 8

   In a pan over low heat, add the cooked pasta and 4 tablespoons of the prepared roasted garlic butter.

9. 9

   Add a good scoop of reserved pasta water to the pan.

10. 10

    Toss the pasta continuously until the butter and water emulsify into a thick, glossy sauce.

11. 11

    If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of chili crisp for heat.

12. 12

    Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

The remaining roasted garlic butter can be stored in the refrigerator to harden and used for future pasta dishes or as a spread for bread. The author notes that while the chili crisp is optional, it adds a significant flavor boost.

Nutrition per serving

• pasta
• main course
• roasted garlic
• vegetarian
• dinner
• viral recipe
• garlic butter