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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of pasta kissed with rich, savory flavors, and this Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe is the perfect example. It’s a dish that brings together simple ingredients—tender spaghetti, golden butter, fragrant garlic, and a touch of spice—into a meal that feels both elegant and effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or serving it to guests who appreciate home-cooked goodness, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make this dish shine. Each one is a superstar on its own, contributing essential flavor and texture that elevate the recipe beyond basic spaghetti.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The perfect base to soak up the luscious butter garlic sauce with just the right bite.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps meld the ingredients together beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that bold, aromatic punch that makes each bite memorable.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a subtle heat that balances the butter’s richness without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the pasta and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: A bright, herbaceous note that adds color and freshness to the plate.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: The finishing touch that brings a nutty, savory depth to every forkful.
How to Make Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking the spaghetti until it’s al dente is crucial—it should be tender but still have a tiny bite to keep the texture lively. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is pure magic when it comes to loosening the sauce and helping it cling perfectly to the noodles.
Step 2: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce
While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As soon as it’s melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Sauté these gently until the garlic turns golden and fragrant—this only takes a minute or two, but it’s where all the flavor builds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as that will bring bitterness instead of the sweet, toasty notes you want.
Step 3: Toss the Pasta in Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss and stir well to coat every strand evenly. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time—this loosens the sauce just enough to give it a silky, luscious consistency that clings beautifully to the noodles, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Season and Add Fresh Parsley
Now is the moment to bring everything together by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley, which adds a vibrant touch of green and a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter. Give it one last gentle toss to incorporate the parsley evenly.
Step 5: Serve with Parmesan Cheese
Transfer your Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe to serving plates immediately, while it’s warm and inviting. Don’t be shy with the grated Parmesan cheese—this final flourish brings a savory, nutty flavor that complements the garlic butter sauce perfectly. Grab a fork and dive in!
How to Serve Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, consider adding an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few lemon zest ribbons to brighten the flavors even more. A little cracked black pepper on top adds a subtle crunch and peppery kick that contrasts nicely with the silky sauce. You can also offer more Parmesan on the side, inviting everyone to add as much as they please.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini add color and nutrients without overpowering the delicate garlic butter flavors. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or a warm baguette can soak up every last bit of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to treat this Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe as a showstopper, try nestling the pasta into individual shallow bowls and swirling it into pretty nests. You can top each serving with a thin shaving of Parmesan or a dollop of ricotta for creaminess. Another fun idea is to sprinkle chopped toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs on top for a delightful texture contrast that surprises every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta will absorb the sauce and flavors deepen over time, making for a delicious next-day meal, though it’s best enjoyed freshly made when possible.
Freezing
Freezing butter-based pasta dishes can be tricky because the butter may separate when thawed. If you want to freeze your spaghetti, it’s best to cook the pasta separately from the sauce. Freeze the plain cooked spaghetti in a freezer-safe bag and the garlic butter sauce in a separate container. When ready to eat, thaw and gently reheat the sauce before tossing in the pasta for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce smooth and prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. Avoid reheating on high heat to maintain the sauce’s silky texture and avoid burning the garlic.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti?
Absolutely! This Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe adapts well to different pasta types. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to ensure the perfect al dente texture.
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic really shines in this recipe because of its vibrant flavor and aroma. While pre-minced or powdered garlic can work in a pinch, fresh minced garlic gives the sauce that bright, punchy garlic essence that defines this dish.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or even crispy bacon bits make fantastic additions. They complement the buttery garlic flavors and turn this simple pasta into a more substantial meal.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
No worries—just omit the red pepper flakes. The dish is still incredibly flavorful without any heat, showcasing the mellow richness of butter and the savory garlic perfectly.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Keeping the heat at medium and cooking the garlic just until it’s fragrant and lightly golden is key. Garlic cooks quickly, so stay attentive and stir often to avoid any bitterness from burning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish, the Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti Recipe is calling your name. With its few humble ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a joy to cook and even more satisfying to eat. Whether as a quick dinner for yourself or a crowd-pleaser for friends, this recipe will quickly become a trusted favorite. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food!
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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
This easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti recipe is a quick and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Made with simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and fresh parsley, it comes together in just 20 minutes and delivers comforting, rich flavors with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Topped with grated Parmesan cheese, this classic Italian-inspired meal is sure to satisfy pasta lovers.
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
Toppings
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti in a colander.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta thoroughly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen and thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley evenly throughout the pasta.
- Serve: Serve the butter garlic spaghetti immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and richness.
Notes
- Use salted water when boiling spaghetti to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Fresh garlic is preferred for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without making it watery.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
