Looking for a pasta dish that’s both delightfully simple and deeply satisfying? Say hello to Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti! With just a handful of fresh, aromatic ingredients, this recipe transforms everyday pantry staples into a plate of pure comfort. Whether you need a lightning-fast weeknight dinner or a beautiful base for something fancier, you’ll be amazed by the big flavors tucked into every bite of these golden noodles. The irresistible aroma of garlic sizzling in rich butter will have family and friends gathering around the stove before you can even plate it. Trust me, this dish is a keeper!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti lies in its simplicity: each ingredient is purposeful, combining to create creamy, garlicky magic with every forkful. Don’t be tempted to swap too many things out; these classic elements work together to deliver taste, texture, and that unmistakable Italian flair. Here’s what you need and why you’ll love them:
- Spaghetti: The classic backbone of the dish, spaghetti provides the perfect canvas for the buttery sauce to cling to.
- Unsalted butter: Adds the star flavor and creates the luscious, silky coating we crave in every bite.
- Fresh garlic: Mincing garlic brings aromatic depth and that unmistakable, mellow kick — don’t skimp here!
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of heat boosts flavor and adds just the right amount of zing.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty — this brings everything together in creamy, savory harmony.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and letting each ingredient truly shine.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley delivers an herby pop of color and fresh flavor at the end.
- Reserved pasta water: A pasta chef’s secret, this starchy water helps the sauce bind beautifully to the noodles.
How to Make Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti
Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti
Start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a rapid boil. Generously salt the water — this is your first chance to infuse the spaghetti with flavor right from the start. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Right before draining, don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water. This little bit of liquid will work wonders for your sauce in a moment.
Step 2: Make the Butter Garlic Sauce
While the spaghetti is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until just foamy. Add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if you love a touch of heat) straight into the butter. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen smells incredible and the garlic is soft and fragrant — but keep a close eye so it doesn’t brown or burn!
Step 3: Toss and Combine Everything
Add the drained spaghetti directly to the buttery garlic mixture in the skillet. Using tongs, toss everything together so the pasta is thoroughly coated in all that savory richness. If your noodles look a little dry, splash in some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon or two at a time, until the sauce glistens and clings to each strand just right.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and give the spaghetti another good toss so the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top — it brings the whole dish to life.
How to Serve Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti
Garnishes
A beautiful bowl of Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti deserves a final flourish. Just before serving, add a bit more fresh parsley and an extra shower of Parmesan for both flavor and eye-appeal. If you crave a brighter note, a squeeze of lemon or zest on top adds a fresh twist that lightens up the richness. And for those who don’t shy away from a kick, a pinch more red pepper flakes looks gorgeous and turns up the heat!
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crunchy green salad or garlicky sautéed greens for balance. For heartier appetites, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables, or make it the centerpiece with a side of warm, crusty bread to mop up all that luscious garlic butter. If you want to up the protein, pair your Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Twirl the spaghetti into neat nests on each plate, top with extra cheese and herbs, or serve it family-style in a big bowl for everyone to help themselves. For a restaurant-style touch, finish each serving with a drizzle of good olive oil and a crack of fresh black pepper. If you’re feeling festive, tuck in some blistered cherry tomatoes or a handful of arugula for extra color and vibrance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for an even more savory second round!
Freezing
While this dish is at its absolute best fresh, you can freeze unused portions for up to one month. Place the spaghetti in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for optimal texture — just know the noodles may become a bit softer after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, add the spaghetti to a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra butter to revive the sauce and restore creaminess. Gently stir until heated through. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top will bring it back to its saucy, garlicky glory.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti gives you that classic twirl, this recipe welcomes linguine, fettuccine, or even shorter pastas like penne. Just choose a shape with plenty of surface area for the buttery garlic sauce to coat.
What’s the best way to avoid burning the garlic?
Keep the heat at medium and stir the garlic frequently as it cooks in the butter. Once it becomes fragrant and slightly golden (without browning), it’s ready — don’t step away from the pan! Burnt garlic tastes bitter, but gentle, patient cooking brings out its very best.
How can I make this vegan?
You can easily veganize Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti by swapping in your favorite plant-based butter and omitting the Parmesan or using a vegan cheese alternative. The result is still wonderfully garlicky and indulgent.
Is this recipe spicy with the red pepper flakes?
Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes add a mild background heat, but you’re in full control. Add a little, a lot, or leave them out entirely to suit your preferences or the audience at your table.
Can I add extra protein or veggies?
Definitely! This recipe is the perfect canvas for add-ins. Toss in sautéed shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, peas, spinach, or roasted veggies to make your Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti even heartier and more colorful.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a dish that feels utterly comforting yet takes barely 20 minutes from start to finish, Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti is the answer. There’s nothing like the smell of garlic and butter dancing together in the kitchen — and the taste is even better! Give it a try, make it your own, and watch it become a regular part of your pasta night rotation.
Print
Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti is a delicious and quick pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. With simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare Butter Garlic Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté. Add drained spaghetti, toss with butter and garlic, adding pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, toss to combine. Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or sautéed veggies for a heartier meal.
- Use olive oil along with butter for extra depth of flavor.
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