Garlic butter pasta is a great complement for simple entrées like roast chicken, pan-seared pork chops, grilled steak, and broiled fish.

Serving dish filled with pasta shells in garlic butter garnished with parsley and cracked black pepper.

This versatile side dish works well with a wide variety of simple main dishes. It builds on the concept of a classic Aglio e Olio (garlic and oil) pasta by including a bit of sautéed onion, chopped fresh parsley, and a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors.

You can use just about any variety of pasta you like. We’re partial to conchigliette (medium shells), but other cuts with ridges that hold the light garlicky sauce (e.g. penne, rigatoni) will work just as well.

Garlic Buttered Pasta Shells

Garlic Butter Pasta Shells

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Garlic butter pasta is a great complement for simple entrées like roast chicken, pan-seared pork chops, grilled steak, and broiled fish.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces small pasta shells, conchigliette
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  • Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and butter and continue cooking, stirring constantly until barely golden, 1 to 2 minutes longer.
  • Stir in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar.
  • Continue cooking for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and set aside.
  • Cook and drain the pasta according to the package directions.
  • Combine with the garlic mixture, add the fresh parsley and toss to coat.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Author: Lynne Webb
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: Italian
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 223kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 129mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g
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