Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Herbs Recipe for Ultra Creaminess

Twirling forks around a delightful garlic butter spaghetti with herbs can transport you straight to an Italian kitchen.

Aromatic herbs dance alongside golden butter and fragrant garlic cloves.

Rich, silky strands promise a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Simplicity becomes magical when quality ingredients merge with mindful cooking techniques.

Mediterranean flavors shine through each carefully seasoned bite of pasta.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal effort.

One forkful promises to whisk you away on a culinary adventure that celebrates classic, rustic cooking.

Let this recipe become your new weeknight dinner hero.

Why Garlic Butter Spaghetti is Always a Win

• Super-fast recipe ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Requires just a few pantry staples like pasta, butter, garlic, and herbs, making it an incredibly accessible dish for cooks of all skill levels.
• Simple ingredients transform into a rich, aromatic meal with the perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and subtle heat from optional red pepper flakes.
• Easily customizable by adding protein like chicken or shrimp, or switching herbs based on what's available in your kitchen, making it a flexible go-to recipe.

Simple Ingredients for Herb-Infused Pasta

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta base that provides hearty foundation for the dish, best when cooked al dente.
• Butter: Rich, creamy ingredient that creates the base of the sauce, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer, fresh garlic cloves are more potent than pre-minced options.

• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that add brightness and color, garden-fresh herbs provide the most vibrant flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste, freshly ground pepper is recommended.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice element that adds subtle heat to the dish.

• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps create a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich topping that adds depth, freshly grated is best.
• Lemon Juice: Optional bright acidic element that can lift the entire dish's flavor profile.

Making Garlic Butter Spaghetti from Scratch

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill with water. Sprinkle salt generously. Drop spaghetti into boiling water and cook until tender. Scoop out 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the rest.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Drop in butter and let it melt smoothly.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Spices

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Transfer cooked spaghetti into skillet. Swirl and toss until noodles get completely coated with garlic butter.

Step 5: Adjust Sauce Consistency

Slowly blend reserved pasta water into skillet. Stir gently until sauce reaches creamy, silky texture.

Step 6: Elevate with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley
• Chopped basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss everything together.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Remove from heat. Shower with grated Parmesan. Squeeze fresh lemon juice if desired.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Transfer to plates and enjoy while hot and steamy.

Tips for Extra Flavor in Your Pasta Bowl

• Boost Pasta Flavor: Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Reserve pasta water strategically to create silky, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to spaghetti strands.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice preference – from mild to fiery hot.
• Enhance Herb Freshness: Chop herbs just before adding to maintain vibrant color and maximum flavor intensity.
• Quick Cooking Hack: Toast garlic briefly to prevent burning and develop deeper, nutty undertones without bitterness.

Storing and Reheating Buttered Noodles

• Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the pasta fresh and flavorful.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta to prevent dryness, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Gently reheat the spaghetti in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or olive oil, stirring frequently to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
• Consume refrigerated pasta within 2 days for the best taste and texture, avoiding potential bacterial growth.

Pasta Pairings That Elevate the Plate

• Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the garlic and herb flavors without overpowering the delicate pasta.
• Sprinkle extra-aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino romano on top for a sharper, more intense cheese note that amplifies the dish's richness.
• Serve with toasted garlic bread or crusty Italian ciabatta to soak up the flavorful butter sauce and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Offer a small side salad with fresh arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the pasta's richness and provide a crisp, clean palate cleanser.

Pasta Variations That Keep It Fresh

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Increase red pepper flakes and incorporate additional herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for an extra flavor kick.

Garlic Spaghetti FAQs in One Place

• Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Herbs is vegetarian and doesn’t contain any meat ingredients.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to make this dish gluten-free.

• How can I add more protein to this recipe?

Consider adding sautéed chickpeas, tofu, or a sprinkle of pine nuts to increase the protein content of the dish.

• What herbs work best in this recipe?

Fresh parsley and basil are recommended, but you can also use oregano or thyme for additional flavor variations.

Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Herbs Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delectable garlic butter spaghetti with herbs brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Silky noodles gleam with rich herbed butter, promising a simple yet luxurious meal that satisfies pasta cravings in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti

Herbs and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, generously season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender yet firm, following package guidelines.
2. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining the noodles completely.
3. Position a large skillet over medium heat and allow butter to melt smoothly, creating a golden pool of richness.
4. Introduce minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes into the melted butter, gently sautéing until an aromatic fragrance emerges, approximately 30-45 seconds.
5. Transfer the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet, using tongs to gracefully coat each strand with the garlicky butter sauce.
6. Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water, stirring continuously to create a silky, luxurious coating that clings perfectly to the noodles.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and basil throughout the dish, seasoning with salt and black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
8. Remove skillet from heat and enhance the pasta with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.
9. For a bright, final touch, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving to add a zesty dimension.
10. Plate immediately and savor the aromatic herbed garlic butter spaghetti while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant, restaurant-quality taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Control sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, preventing a dry or overly runny texture.
• Experiment with additional proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform this simple recipe into a more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg