Garlic Butter Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, with creamy tomato-basil butter enveloping each strand of pasta. The slow-roasted garlic infused with olive oil creates a mellow, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of vegan butter. The addition of tomato paste and basil gives it a savory depth while grated vegan parmesan offers that familiar cheesy finish. Best of all, this dish is plant-based without compromising on flavor, making it a great option for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Ingredients

For the Garlic-tomato basil butter:

• 2 whole garlic bulbs (peeled)

• ½ cup olive oil (just enough to cover the cloves)

• ½ cup softened vegan butter (or regular)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 3 tablespoon 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)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Slow-roast the garlic: Put the peeled garlic cloves in a small saucepan and pour in enough olive oil to just cover them (about ½ cup). Set the pan over low heat and cook for about 20 minutes, swirling occasionally, until the garlic is soft and pale golden. Let it cool for a minute.

2. Make the compound butter: Scoop the roasted garlic into a blender. Add the softened butter, ½ teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Blend until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then stir in the tomato paste, parmesan, and chopped basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until firm enough to scoop.

3. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until one minute shy of al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta.

4. Finish the dish: Return the hot pasta to the pot over low heat. Add 4 tablespoons of the chilled garlic-tomato basil butter (about 1 tablespoon per 100 g of pasta) and a generous splash of the reserved cooking water. Toss quickly until the butter melts and forms a glossy sauce that coats the noodles. Add more pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

5. Serve: Divide the pasta among warm bowls. Top with extra parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and toasted breadcrumbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Non-vegan option: Swap the vegan butter for regular butter and use dairy parmesan for a non-vegan version.

• Pasta variety: You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.

• Add protein: Incorporate some grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make the dish heartier.

• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The garlic butter can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a little water to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, microwave the pasta in a covered dish with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter in this recipe?

Yes, regular butter can be substituted for vegan butter if you are not following a plant-based diet.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a finely chopped chili to the garlic-tomato basil butter for an extra kick of heat.

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine.

Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?

Yes, the garlic butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Let it firm up in the refrigerator before using.

Can I freeze the garlic butter?

Yes, you can freeze the garlic-tomato basil butter. Just portion it into small containers or ice cube trays for easy use later. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of roasted garlic?

Roasting the garlic gives it a milder, sweeter flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use fresh garlic. Just sauté it in olive oil to soften it before making the butter.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta.

What can I use as a topping instead of breadcrumbs?

For a gluten-free option, you can use crushed nuts or seeds, or skip the breadcrumbs entirely. You can also sprinkle extra fresh basil and parmesan on top for added flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Yes, adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would be a great addition to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of plant-based cream or coconut milk to the sauce, or use a bit more vegan butter.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich, savory dish that offers the perfect balance of flavors—garlicky, buttery, and fresh with a touch of basil and tomato. It’s a versatile and comforting meal that’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want something indulgent without the fuss. Whether you're vegan or not, this recipe will surely become a favorite go-to pasta dish!

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