Garlic Butter Spaghetti – Simple Recipes for Dinner

Okay, imagine this: you’ve just come home from a long day, your stomach’s rumbling louder than a thunderstorm, and the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. That’s where garlic butter spaghetti swoops in like a hero. It’s quick, buttery, garlicky, and somehow feels like a warm hug on a plate. I remember my very first try—just four ingredients and bam! Dinner done with zero fuss. If you’ve got about 20 minutes, a pot, and a skillet, you’re about to make something seriously delicious. Let’s get into it!

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Sauce / Garnish:

• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for color and freshness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to drizzle)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is your secret weapon for perfectly seasoned pasta. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually around 9-10 minutes. Don’t overcook; you want that slight bite.

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and gently sauté. Watch closely—garlic burns fast. Stir it for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but not brown.

Step 3:

Drain the spaghetti, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta straight to the skillet with garlic butter. Toss well to coat those strands in buttery goodness. If it feels a bit dry, pour in the reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce.

Step 4:

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Toss again to combine.

Step 5:

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This melts into the butter, adding richness and that irresistible cheesy note.

Step 6:

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil if using. Serve immediately and watch everyone devour it in seconds.

Variations & Tips

• Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for protein-packed magic.
• Swap spaghetti for linguine or fettuccine for a different texture.
• Fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the whole dish.
• For extra richness, toss in a spoonful of cream at the end.
• Use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic always shines best!
• If you accidentally burn the garlic, start over—burnt garlic tastes bitter.

How I Like to Serve It

This garlic butter spaghetti shines on casual weeknights or as a quick lunch paired with a crisp green salad. When friends drop by last minute, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. During colder months, add a cozy bowl of tomato soup on the side, and you’ve got a comforting, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or butter to keep it saucy.
• Unsalted butter lets you control saltiness, especially important when pairing with salty Parmesan.

Closing: This simple garlic butter spaghetti feels like a fast, delicious hug from the kitchen every time—comfort food done right without the fuss.