Name: Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 4 tbsp salted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or a pinch of ground nutmeg

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Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is a quick, satisfying pasta dish loaded with rich garlic flavor and velvety sauce. This simple yet comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy bowl of pasta with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spaghetti recipe is incredibly flavorful, thanks to the garlic-infused butter and creamy sauce. It’s easy to prepare with pantry staples, ready in under 30 minutes, and pairs well with protein or vegetables. A perfect base or main dish on its own.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti
Salted butter
Garlic (minced)
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper
Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Optional: red pepper flakes or ground nutmeg

directions

Cook Spaghetti: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Add Cheese and Pasta: Stir in Parmesan until melted. Toss in drained spaghetti, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
Serve: Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
Use Different Pasta: Works with fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
Herb Infusion: Add thyme or basil for extra flavor.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Vegetarian Add-ins: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas.

storage/reheating

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Not recommended for freezing due to cream content.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of flour or extra cheese to thicken.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes—it’s naturally mild and creamy.

Can I make it ahead?

Best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter and cook pasta in advance.

What cheese is best?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded varieties.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Avoid high heat and add cheese slowly off the heat.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it contains no meat products.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just scale the ingredients evenly and cook in a larger pan.

Can I add lemon juice?

Yes, a splash of lemon brightens the flavor nicely.

What’s the best way to garnish?

Parsley, cracked pepper, and a touch of grated cheese enhance both flavor and presentation.

Conclusion

Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is a comforting, elegant dish that’s simple to make yet full of flavor. It’s a versatile go-to for weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.

Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

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Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is a fast, comforting pasta dish featuring a rich, velvety garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s perfect for weeknights and made with simple pantry ingredients.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

12 oz spaghetti
4 tbsp salted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or a pinch of ground nutmeg

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Toss in the cooked spaghetti, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optional: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of nutmeg.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.