Garlic Butter Spaghetti
Garlic Butter Spaghetti
If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful pasta recipe that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant, this Garlic Butter Spaghetti is going to be your new go-to.
It’s buttery, garlicky, and absolutely delicious — the kind of comfort food that makes you want to twirl your fork just one more time.
This dish comes together in under 20 minutes using pantry staples, and it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or cozy weekends when you just want something quick but satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy here — just spaghetti, butter, garlic, and parmesan.
- Quick and Easy: Dinner on the table in 20 minutes or less!
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love it because it’s buttery and mild but so flavorful.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or alongside chicken, shrimp, or steak.
- Restaurant Quality: That glossy, buttery sauce coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Spaghetti: Regular or thin spaghetti both work great. You can also use linguine or fettuccine.
- Butter: The star of this dish! Use salted or unsalted butter depending on your preference.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps the butter sauce stay smooth and prevents burning.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness to the pasta.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
- Salt and Pepper: A must for seasoning and balance.
How to Make Garlic Butter Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss it in the butter and garlic mixture, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Stir in grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until the pasta is coated and glossy. Serve hot with extra parmesan on top!
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the garlic! Burnt garlic turns bitter. Keep it fragrant and light golden.
- Save that pasta water. It helps the sauce cling to the noodles and adds silky texture.
- Add protein: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Double it: This recipe is easy to scale up for family dinners or gatherings.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Spaghetti
This pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, crusty garlic bread, or any protein. Here are a few ideas:
It also makes a great base for tossing in roasted vegetables or sun-dried tomatoes if you want a veggie boost.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a little butter or splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Jennie’s Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of garlic butter pasta. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and smells like home.
When I make this, I usually serve it with roasted vegetables or a little parmesan-crusted chicken. It’s simple, cozy, and delicious every single time.
Garlic butter spaghetti reminds me that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be special — sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that make everyone gather around the table and smile.
