If you’re craving a dish that is both comfortingly simple and irresistibly flavorful, this Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a velvety, aromatic garlic butter sauce, kissed by just the right amount of heat from red pepper flakes, and finished with a sprinkling of Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s a dish that feels elegant but comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive last-minute meal for friends. Once you try this Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—bringing flavor, texture, or a touch of freshness to the plate. Gathering these essentials ensures you’re set to create a comforting, soul-satisfying meal.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The perfect base that holds the buttery garlic sauce beautifully, providing the ideal bite.
- 5 Tablespoons butter: Creates a rich, creamy foundation for the sauce with a luscious mouthfeel.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): The star of the dish, delivering that unmistakable punch of fragrance and flavor.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat to wake up the palate without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to season both the pasta water and the sauce, balancing all flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle spicy undertone that complements the garlic.
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, savory richness.
- 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley: Brings a fresh, bright finish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Al Dente
Start by boiling your spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Before draining, be sure to save a cup of that flavorful pasta water because it will help create a silky sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.
Step 2: Melt the Butter gently
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. It’s important to allow the butter to melt gently without browning to keep the sauce smooth and luscious.
Step 3: Infuse the Butter with Garlic
Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes. Stir constantly, and watch carefully—once the garlic becomes fragrant, it’s ready. This step infuses your butter with that bold, irresistible flavor we crave.
Step 4: Season it Up
Lower the heat and stir in crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Add salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well so the spices blend perfectly with the garlic butter, building layers of flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Drain the spaghetti and transfer it into the skillet with the garlic butter mixture. Toss the noodles thoroughly to coat each strand. Incorporate 1 to 2 tablespoons of that reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, making it beautifully smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Melt in the Parmesan
Turn off the heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan over the spaghetti. Toss everything together so the cheese melts gently in the warm sauce, creating a creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 7: Add Fresh Parsley
Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and toss gently to distribute its fresh herbal notes. This splash of green not only brightens the dish visually but also lifts the flavors perfectly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe is ready to be enjoyed hot from the skillet. Serve immediately with extra parsley or Parmesan for that added wow factor. This is the kind of meal that’s comfort food at its finest—simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Add a final touch of elegance and flavor with delicate garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan or a sprig of parsley. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few cracked black peppercorns can also elevate the dish’s presentation and taste beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. These sides complement the rich, buttery noodles while balancing the meal with fresh, crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch when serving, try twirling the spaghetti into neat nests on each plate. Top with a small sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and a pop of heat. You could even add a lemon wedge on the side for an unexpected burst of brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked spaghetti without the Parmesan and parsley to preserve flavor and texture. Place it in a freezer-safe container and use within one month for optimal taste. Add cheese and herb garnishes only after reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water or a little extra butter to loosen the sauce and prevent the noodles from drying out. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose to keep that ideal al dente bite.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon to replace 4 cloves minced. Just add it with the butter and cook briefly to release its aroma.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute. This way, you keep the luscious garlic butter flavor while making it fully vegan-friendly.
Is it necessary to save pasta water?
Definitely. Pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the noodles, making it silky and smooth instead of watery or clumpy.
How spicy is the red pepper flakes addition?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust the amount or skip it entirely based on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe is one of those joyful dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavors that come alive with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe will quickly become a staple you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your butter and garlic and get ready to fall in love with pasta all over!
Print
Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Butter Noodles is a simple and delicious pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti with a rich and fragrant garlic butter sauce, enhanced with a hint of red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, this comforting recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a tasty side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 5 Tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Follow package instructions to cook the spaghetti until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the noodles.
- Heat butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquified and warm.
- Cook garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add seasonings: Lower the heat and stir in the crushed red pepper flakes if using, along with salt and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly in the butter.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Transfer the drained spaghetti back into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic butter mixture. Add 1-2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen and smooth out the sauce.
- Finish with cheese: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the grated parmesan over the pasta. Toss again until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce combined with the butter.
- Add parsley: Fold in the chopped parsley gently, distributing it evenly throughout the noodles for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter noodles immediately. Optionally top with extra parsley or parmesan for garnish. Enjoy your comforting, flavorful dish!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to help smooth and loosen the sauce.
- Do not brown the garlic to avoid a bitter taste; cook until fragrant only.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately as the sauce is best fresh and creamy.
