If you are craving a comforting, flavorsome pasta dish that comes together in no time, this Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that combines the creamy richness of butter with the warm, aromatic punch of garlic. With just a few humble ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish that feels homemade and heartwarming. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or someone who loves quick and tasty recipes, this easy butter garlic spaghetti will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential for building flavor, texture, and balance, making it easy to keep your pantry stocked with these essentials for a quick dinner anytime.
- 8 oz spaghetti: Choose your favorite brand or type; it forms the hearty base absorbing all the delicious sauce.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This creates the luscious sauce that coats every strand beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star aromatics that give the dish its iconic garlicky punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the buttery goodness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for highlighting and balancing flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkles of fresh green bring color and a delicate herbal note.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: Adds umami richness and a salty finish to every bite.
How to Make Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook Spaghetti to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This salt not only seasons the pasta but enhances its flavor from the inside out. Cook your spaghetti according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—tender yet with a little bite. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this will be your secret weapon later for loosening the sauce.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter gently in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add your minced garlic along with the optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Sauté these together just until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, which should take about a minute or two. This step is crucial as it infuses the butter with that irresistible garlic aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Toss Spaghetti in the Sauce
Now, add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss it well so every strand gets evenly coated with the silky sauce. If the mixture feels a bit dry or thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. The starch-rich water helps create a perfectly smooth coating that clings to your noodles.
Step 4: Season and Add Freshness
Season your pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste—this is where your personal touch shines. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, which adds both a lovely pop of color and a slight herbal brightness that balances the rich butter and garlic flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Serve with a Cheese Finish
Serve your Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti hot, generously sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch brings a savory depth and melty finish that elevates the dish from simple to spectacular. Grab a fork and enjoy every garlicky, buttery mouthful!
How to Serve Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra chopped parsley and a good amount of grated Parmesan makes the dish visually inviting and pungently delicious. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
You can pair this Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe with a fresh green salad for a crisp contrast or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a comforting, balanced meal. Garlic bread is an easy crowd-pleaser that doubles down on the garlic theme for true pasta night satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special meal, plate the spaghetti twirled elegantly with a fork in the center of shallow bowls. Top with a few whole basil leaves, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, or even crumble some crispy pancetta for added texture and complexity. It turns a humble dish into a feast for the eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and pasta combined helps infuse more flavor into each bite.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if needed. Place the cooled spaghetti in a freezer-safe container, separating portions for convenience. Use within one month for the best flavor, though the texture may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to bring back the saucy consistency. Gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to evenly heat without overcooking the pasta. Fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan after reheating refresh the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Although spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne depending on what you have on hand. The garlic butter sauce pairs well with nearly any pasta shape.
How can I make the garlic flavor milder?
If you prefer a subtler garlic note, reduce the amount of garlic or sauté it on lower heat for a shorter time. You can also use roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellower flavor.
Is it okay to skip the red pepper flakes?
Definitely! The red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat, but they are optional. Omitting them will give you a more classic butter garlic pasta without any spice.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but keep in mind that salted butter will add extra saltiness, so adjust seasoning accordingly to avoid over-salting your pasta.
How do I know when the spaghetti is al dente?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still has a little firmness when you bite it. Taste a strand a minute or two before the package’s suggested time to check—it should not be mushy or overly soft.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create an irresistibly delicious meal. It’s speedy, flavorful, and comforting—everything you want in a go-to pasta dish. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every buttery, garlicky forkful!
Print
Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A simple and flavorful butter garlic spaghetti recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 8 oz spaghetti
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley evenly.
- Serve: Serve the spaghetti immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether for a milder dish.
- Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and achieve a silky texture.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and avoid burning the garlic while sautéing as it can turn bitter.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or any hard aged cheese of your preference.
- This recipe is best served immediately to enjoy the sauce at its freshest.
