If there’s one pasta dish that deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation, it’s this Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti. This recipe is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly delicious. It’s rich, garlicky, buttery, and ready in under 30 minutes.

The simplicity of this dish is exactly what makes it shine. Just a few pantry staples come together to create something comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned home cook, this is a foolproof, go-to meal that’s perfect for weeknights, cozy dinners, or anytime you want something quick and satisfying.

Let’s dive into what makes this buttery garlic pasta so special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

There are a dozen reasons this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make—we’re talking one skillet and one pot. No fancy steps, no complicated sauces. Just straightforward cooking that delivers incredible flavor.

• Quick and easy – It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.

• Budget-friendly – Uses common pantry staples you likely already have.

• Big on flavor – Garlic and butter are the dream team of seasoning.

• Great base recipe – Easily add proteins or veggies to switch things up.

• Kid- and adult-approved – Simple flavors that please every palate.

If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy this take on Garlic Butter Pasta from Little Sunny Kitchen, which inspired many home cooks to embrace minimal ingredients with maximum flavor.

Suitable For

This recipe is for anyone looking for a fast, satisfying meal. It’s especially ideal for:

• Busy weeknights when cooking feels like a chore

• Beginners just learning their way around the kitchen

• Vegetarians (as-is) or meat lovers with added protein

• Families with picky eaters

• Solo cooks looking for leftovers that reheat well

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish is endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients for Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti

Core Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Spaghetti – Classic and satisfying, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.

• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and lets you control the salt level.

• Garlic – Freshly minced is key. It adds depth and fragrance.

• Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a subtle kick of heat.

• Salt & black pepper – To balance and highlight all the flavors.

• Parmesan cheese – Melts into the pasta for a creamy, salty bite.

• Reserved pasta water – Helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

• Fresh parsley or basil (optional) – Adds color and a fresh finish.

This combination is simple but deeply satisfying. For more inspiration, check out how Pinch of Yum adds herbs and lemon to their version.

Substitutions and Tips

Cooking should feel flexible, not rigid. Here are a few ways you can adjust the recipe to fit what you have:

• No spaghetti? Try linguine, penne, or even fettuccine.

• Dairy-free? Use a vegan butter or good quality olive oil and skip the cheese (or try a plant-based alternative).

• No fresh garlic? In a pinch, use garlic paste or finely minced jarred garlic—but reduce the amount slightly.

• Want it creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.

• Out of Parmesan? Pecorino or nutritional yeast can step in nicely.

Feel free to personalize it. That’s the beauty of such a simple recipe.

Best Butter and Garlic for This Pasta

Butter and garlic are the stars here, so using high-quality ingredients makes a difference.

Butter Tips

Use unsalted butter so you can adjust the salt level to taste. European-style butter, like Kerrygold, has a higher fat content and richer flavor—perfect for this dish.

Avoid margarine or butter blends with added oils, as they may alter the texture of the sauce.

Garlic Tips

Fresh garlic cloves are non-negotiable. Pre-minced garlic in jars can be too mild or taste metallic. Mince it right before cooking for the best flavor.

Sautéing garlic requires attention—low to medium heat is your friend. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and overpower the dish. If you want a deeper flavor, try slicing instead of mincing and gently cooking until golden.

Want a little inspiration on butter garlic technique? The Cozy Cook shares tips on layering garlic flavors with herbs and lemon for added depth.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make this pasta, which is part of the charm. Just a few basics and you’re good to go.

Must-Have Tools

• Large pot – For boiling the spaghetti. Make sure it’s big enough for the pasta to move freely.

• Skillet or sauté pan – Wide enough to toss the pasta and sauce together.

• Tongs – Perfect for transferring and tossing pasta.

• Cheese grater – Freshly grated Parmesan makes a world of difference.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Garlic press – Speeds up mincing, though a knife works just fine.

• Microplane – Ideal for grating cheese or zesting lemon if you want to boost flavor.

• Colander with bowl – Great for catching pasta water without forgetting.

Most of these items are probably already in your kitchen, which is another reason this recipe is so approachable.

How to Make Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti

This part is where all the magic happens—bringing together just a few humble ingredients into a bowl of pasta that feels indulgent, comforting, and completely satisfying. Whether it’s your first time making garlic butter pasta or your fiftieth, this method guarantees a flavorful result every single time.

Step 1 – Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Salt is essential here—it’s the only time you get to season the pasta itself, and it really makes a difference in the final flavor.

Once the water is boiling, add your spaghetti and cook it just until al dente, following the package instructions. You want the noodles to still have a little bite, as they’ll finish cooking in the garlic butter sauce.

Before draining, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. This little trick will help create a smooth, silky sauce that clings to the noodles.

Step 2 – Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and slightly foamy, add your minced garlic. Stir gently and cook until the garlic is fragrant and just turning golden—usually around 1 to 2 minutes.

This part goes fast, so don’t step away from the stove. Garlic burns quickly, and once it does, the flavor becomes bitter. If your butter starts to brown or your garlic darkens too fast, reduce the heat immediately.

Want to deepen the flavor? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage. It brings a gentle heat that balances the richness of the butter beautifully.

Step 3 – Toss the Pasta

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add your drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Use tongs to gently toss the noodles until they’re well-coated.

If things look a little dry or the butter isn’t spreading evenly, splash in some of that reserved pasta water—a tablespoon at a time—until you get that glossy, saucy consistency.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the black pepper—it adds a nice bite that contrasts perfectly with the creamy butter.

Step 4 – Finish with Cheese and Herbs

Turn off the heat and sprinkle in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt it into the pasta, giving it a slightly creamy, luscious texture. Stir well so every strand gets a little cheesy love.

To finish, toss in a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil if you’ve got it on hand. It adds color, freshness, and just a touch of brightness that rounds out the dish.

Serve immediately, with extra cheese on top if you’d like. The dish is simple, but the flavor is anything but.

Tips for Success

Cooking pasta seems simple, but these small tips can really elevate your spaghetti game.

• Use fresh garlic, not the pre-minced stuff in a jar. It’s more fragrant and has better flavor.

• Grate your own Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese can be dry or coated in anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.

• Add pasta water slowly. You don’t need much—just enough to bind the sauce.

• Don’t rush the garlic. Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly. The goal is golden, not brown.

• Taste before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed. Sometimes just a little more salt or a squeeze of lemon can brighten things up.

How to Store Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti

This pasta is best eaten fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you), here’s how to store and reheat it so it stays just as tasty.

At Room Temperature

Once the pasta is cooked, it’s best to serve it immediately. Because of the dairy in the butter and cheese, it’s not recommended to leave it out for extended periods. If it sits out for more than 2 hours, go ahead and refrigerate it.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or a small knob of butter to revive the sauce.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze this pasta, but it’s best to do so without the fresh herbs and before adding the cheese, which tends to separate when frozen.

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in a skillet with a bit of butter. Add cheese and herbs just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe makes a wonderful base for added proteins. Try tossing in grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or even crispy bacon. You can also add a poached egg on top for an extra rich twist.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Spaghetti works great, but this garlic butter sauce is incredibly flexible. Feel free to swap in linguine, fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne. Just adjust the cook time accordingly.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Keep the heat at medium or medium-low, and stir constantly. As soon as the garlic turns golden and fragrant, move on to the next step. Burnt garlic can overpower the dish and turn it bitter.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a good dairy-free butter substitute, and skip the cheese or try a vegan Parmesan-style topping. You’ll still get that rich, garlicky flavor.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti, you might enjoy these other flavorful meals:

• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Creamy and hearty with chicken in a similar sauce.

• Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Another garlic-packed dinner idea.

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne – A richer twist on garlic butter pasta for creamy pasta lovers.

• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – A fun and family-friendly take on creamy garlic noodles.

• One Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans – Complete your garlic dinner with this one-pan wonder.

Conclusion

This Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With a handful of ingredients and a few smart tips, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

Don’t forget to share how you made it your own—did you add shrimp, a squeeze of lemon, or maybe a sprinkle of chili flakes? Leave a comment or tag your plate on social media. We’d love to see your version.

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