Flavorful Garlic Herb Spaghetti Sauce
This Flavorful Garlic Herb Spaghetti Sauce is a delightful and aromatic addition to any pasta dish. Bursting with the richness of garlic sautéed in a harmonious blend of butter and extra virgin olive oil, this sauce embraces the fresh notes of basil or parsley, allowing you to customize the flavor to your preference. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, it pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and is ideal for adding extra ingredients like sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-blushed tomatoes, giving you endless possibilities to enhance your culinary experience. Serve this dish with warm French bread for a complete meal that’ll delight your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Minced Garlic
1/2 cup (minced)
Butter
1/4 cup (unsalted, cut into pieces)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup (best quality)
Chopped Basil or Parsley
1/2 cup (fresh, choose one)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat, ensuring the mixture does not brown.
2
Add the minced garlic and sauté gently, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Stir in the chopped basil or parsley, and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the herbs are limp yet vibrant in color.
4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the hot sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti.
5
Toss the pasta gently to ensure even coating of the sauce.
6
Serve immediately, topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
7
Optionally, accompany with slices of fresh French bread and more Parmesan cheese at the table.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Garlic Herb Spaghetti Sauce?
The sauce is characterized by a rich garlic flavor sautéed in a blend of butter and extra virgin olive oil, complemented by fresh basil or parsley.
Is this spaghetti sauce recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses butter, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
The garlic should be sautéed gently for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant, ensuring it does not brown.
Which herbs can I use for this recipe?
You can use either fresh chopped basil or fresh chopped parsley, depending on your personal preference.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
The recipe recommends using the best quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor results.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, cut into pieces for easier melting.
Can I add other ingredients to this sauce?
Yes, you can enhance the sauce by adding sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-blushed tomatoes.
What should I serve with this Garlic Herb Spaghetti?
It is best served with warm French bread and extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
How do I prevent the garlic from browning?
Melt the butter and oil over medium-low heat and stir the garlic occasionally to ensure it softens without browning.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick meal?
Absolutely, it is tagged as both 'quick' and 'easy,' making it perfect for a fast lunch or snack.
How much minced garlic is needed?
This recipe requires 1/2 cup of minced garlic.
How long do I cook the herbs in the sauce?
Once the garlic is soft, add the herbs and cook for an additional 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
What is the preparation for the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese should be grated and added to taste as a topping before serving.
Should the herbs be fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh herbs to maintain a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
How many main ingredients are in this sauce?
There are 5 main ingredients: minced garlic, butter, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs (basil or parsley), and grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged under 'Italian cuisine' and 'pasta'.
Can I use this sauce for something other than dinner?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served for lunch or even as a snack.
How do I combine the sauce and the pasta?
After removing the sauce from the heat, pour it over freshly cooked spaghetti and toss gently to coat evenly.
What is the recommended heat setting for making the sauce?
The sauce should be prepared over medium-low heat.
Can I use both basil and parsley?
While the recipe suggests choosing one, you can customize the blend to your preference.
Is there a specific way to cut the butter?
Yes, the recipe recommends cutting the butter into pieces before melting it with the oil.
What is the total amount of fat base used?
The base uses 1/2 cup total, consisting of 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
What should the consistency of the herbs be after cooking?
The herbs should be limp but still vibrant in color.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
The specific ingredient list does not mention them, as the Parmesan cheese and butter provide saltiness, but you can add them to taste.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is explicitly tagged as 'comfort food'.
Should I serve the sauce cold?
No, the sauce should be poured hot over the pasta and served immediately.
What type of saucepan is best?
A medium saucepan is recommended for preparing the sauce.
Is the amount of Parmesan cheese fixed?
No, the Parmesan cheese is added 'to taste,' allowing you to use as much or as little as you like.
Can I store leftovers?
While best served immediately, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Can this sauce be used for other pasta shapes?
Yes, while the recipe specifies spaghetti, it would pair well with most pasta varieties like linguine or fettuccine.