Description
This Easy Butter Garlic Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Made with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. The addition of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while Parmesan cheese provides a savory finish.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 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 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the spaghetti.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley to add freshness and color to the dish.
- Serve: Serve the butter garlic spaghetti immediately, topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory finish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to preference.
- Reserve pasta water is key for achieving a silky sauce that clings to the spaghetti.
- Fresh parsley adds vibrant flavor, but you can substitute with basil or oregano if desired.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt as well.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to serve more people.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
