Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe: Simple Magic!

Weeknight dinners demand quick, mouthwatering solutions that satisfy deep comfort food cravings.

This garlic butter spaghetti with herbs delivers incredible flavor in mere minutes.

Bold garlic notes dance through silky pasta strands, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

Fresh herbs add vibrant green complexity to the rich, buttery base.

Every twirled forkful promises a delightful blend of simplicity and gourmet appeal.

Home chefs can whip up this delectable dish faster than ordering takeout.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality meal without stress or complicated techniques.

Dinner is about to get deliciously easy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredient List for This Garlic-Herb Pasta Dish

• Spaghetti: Choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for the best texture and authentic Italian feel, ensuring firm bite and smooth coating with sauce.

• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation that creates silky sauce and adds luxurious depth to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh, aromatic cloves that provide bold, intense flavor and classic Italian essence.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element that adds gentle heat and vibrant kick to the recipe.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates overall taste profile.

• Parsley, Basil: Bright, fresh herbs that introduce refreshing green notes and aromatic complexity.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that delivers umami richness and tangy finish.
• Lemon: Optional citrusy accent that cuts through richness and adds zesty brightness.

Handy Tools to Make It Taste Restaurant-Ready

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti in salted water.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for creating garlic butter sauce and mixing pasta.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked spaghetti.
• Chef's Knife: Great for mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for herb and garlic preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Helps toss and mix pasta in skillet.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for reserving pasta water.
• Grater: For creating fresh Parmesan cheese topping.

Tossing Tips That Lock in Big Garlic Flavor

• Boil Pasta

Cook spaghetti in salted water until perfectly tender. Save some pasta water before draining.

• Create Buttery Base

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Let the flavors dance and become wonderfully aromatic.

• Combine and Coat

Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet, making sure every strand gets wrapped in the delicious garlic butter sauce.

• Adjust Sauce Texture

Slowly mix in reserved pasta water, creating a silky smooth coating that hugs the noodles perfectly.

• Season and Elevate

Sprinkle in fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to distribute flavors throughout the dish.

• Finish with Flair

Remove from heat and add a generous shower of Parmesan cheese. For an extra zing, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.

• Serve Immediately

Plate the spaghetti right away while it’s hot and bursting with flavor. Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal at home!

Ways to Switch Up Herbs Without Losing Balance

• Always save some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each strand of spaghetti.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or chives to add unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting for repeated meals.
• Transform this simple pasta into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra protein and texture.
• Replace butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to make the recipe vegan-friendly and suitable for lactose-intolerant diets.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – use just a pinch for mild warmth or go bold with a generous sprinkle for serious spice lovers.

Serve This Pasta with Flair or Keep It Casual

• Pasta Plate Perfection: Arrange the spaghetti on a warm ceramic plate, creating a gentle swirl to showcase the glossy herbs and butter sauce.
• Fresh Herb Flourish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley and basil on top, allowing the green herbs to contrast beautifully against the golden pasta.
• Cheese and Zest Finale: Add a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and a light squeeze of lemon to brighten the entire dish, enhancing its rich, garlicky flavor.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the garlic and herb notes of the spaghetti.

Save It Right for a Quick Lunch or Dinner Fix

• Wrap leftover spaghetti in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Cold pasta stays tasty when sealed tightly and kept away from strong-smelling foods.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water before microwaving to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Warm on medium heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle for even temperature distribution.
• Prepare garlic butter sauce separately and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep cooked pasta and sauce separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• While fresh is best, you can freeze this dish for emergency meals. Package in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Consume within 2 months for best quality and flavor.

Aromatic Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Herbs Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting garlic butter spaghetti with herbs brings Italian kitchen magic to your dinner table. Silky strands dance with fragrant herbs, creating a simple yet luxurious meal that beckons you to savor each delightful twirl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) spaghetti
• 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp (15 g) chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried basil)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil spaghetti in generously salted water until perfectly tender, maintaining an al dente texture. Carefully extract and preserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Aromatic Butter Infusion: Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame, allowing butter to melt and transform into a golden, bubbling base. Introduce minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, gently sautéing until an enticing fragrance emerges.
3. Sauce Integration: Transfer cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet, expertly tossing to ensure each strand becomes lavishly coated with the garlic-infused butter sauce. Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water, creating a silky, clinging consistency.
4. Herb and Seasoning Finale: Fold in freshly chopped parsley and basil, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat, garnishing with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and an optional bright splash of lemon juice.
5. Serving: Plate immediately, presenting a aromatic, herb-flecked pasta dish that promises maximum flavor and restaurant-quality presentation.

Notes

• Cook spaghetti exactly al dente to prevent mushiness and ensure perfect sauce absorption.
• Sauté garlic gently to release aroma without burning, which can create bitter taste.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually to create smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to personal heat preference, allowing flexible seasoning for different palates.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg