A simple yet flavorful dish, Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Herbs brings together pantry staples to create a comforting and elegant meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent but easy to prepare, this dish pairs buttery richness with aromatic herbs and a kick of garlic. It’s a classic combination that never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic butter spaghetti is:
- Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients
- Full of rich, buttery flavor complemented by fresh herbs
- Perfect as a main dish or a side to grilled proteins
- Customizable with additional veggies or proteins
- A crowd-pleaser that feels both homey and elevated
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Spaghetti
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Olive oil (optional for added richness)
directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toss in the cooked spaghetti, and add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Add chopped fresh herbs and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamy garlic herb sauce.
- Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or pasta.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan or substitute with a vegan cheese.
- Add lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness.
- Include veggies: Mix in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
storage/reheating
Store leftover garlic butter spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or butter to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook it over medium or medium-low heat and stir frequently. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, though fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor. Use about one-third the amount if using dried herbs.
What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?
Spaghetti is classic, but you can use fettuccine, linguine, or even angel hair pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter and herbs in advance to save time.
What’s a good substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan works well for dairy-free alternatives.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, the starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
Can I freeze garlic butter spaghetti?
Freezing isn’t ideal as the texture can change, but if needed, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
How do I make this spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, garlic powder can be used.
What herbs go best in this recipe?
Parsley and basil are classic, but you can also use thyme, oregano, or chives for variety.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Herbs is a timeless and versatile recipe that brings bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with your favorite additions, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen for those nights when you want something quick, comforting, and full of flavor.
Print
Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Herbs
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This simple garlic butter spaghetti is full of flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. Tossed in a rich butter sauce with plenty of garlic and fresh herbs, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner or side dish. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Ingredients
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8 oz spaghetti
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
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Salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
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Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
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Stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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Mix in the chopped parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper.
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Remove from heat and top with grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
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Serve immediately.
Notes
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This dish can be made vegan by using plant-based butter and skipping the Parmesan.
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Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
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For more richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or olive oil.