Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl with a restaurant-worthy finish, Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is about to be your new go-to recipe. This dish perfectly balances the luxurious silkiness of cream, the mellow heat from garlic, and the punchy lift of Parmesan in every twirl of spaghetti. It’s a dreamy combination—rich yet bright, indulgent but effortlessly simple. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just want a quick, soul-satisfying meal, Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti guarantees applause at the table and happy, full bellies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to make magic happen. Every component in Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is chosen for a specific reason, whether it’s flavor, richness, or a touch of color.

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta shape that effortlessly soaks up all that luscious sauce—choose your favorite brand.
• Olive oil: Use for sautéing; it adds depth and helps the butter not brown too quickly.
• Butter (unsalted): The backbone of the sauce, bringing creamy richness that marries everything together.
• Onion (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and complexity as the flavor base.
• Garlic (minced): The star player—its pungency mellows and infuses the whole dish with fragrant warmth.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and brightening every bite.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses earthiness and a hint of rustic flair.
• White wine (such as Sauvignon blanc): Brightens and lifts the sauce, adding a subtle tang that keeps it from feeling heavy.
• Heavy cream: Creates the irresistibly velvety body of this recipe’s signature sauce.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Brings nuttiness and salty depth—choose a block and grate it fresh for the best flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch enlivens the whole dish with a gentle, lingering heat.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—you’ll use it to amp up the silkiness of your sauce. Drain the spaghetti but don’t rinse it; you want all that surface starch to help the sauce cling.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While your pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, letting them melt together into a glossy pool. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, just until translucent and fragrant. Next comes the minced garlic; sprinkle it in and stir for about 30 seconds. The smell alone will have everyone peeking into the kitchen.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Now it’s time to season things up. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, giving everything a good stir. This is where those aromatics really start mingling—the herbs, garlic, and onion are creating the bold, comforting base for your Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any tasty browned bits. Let the wine bubble away for about three minutes, cooking off its alcohol but leaving behind a lovely acidity. Next, add the heavy cream and bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil. Pour in that reserved pasta water, and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. Watch as it thickens up beautifully—this is the heart of the dish.

Step 5: Finish and Toss

Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts luxuriously into the sauce. Add your drained spaghetti, tossing until every strand is coated in creamy, garlicky goodness. If you like a touch of heat, now’s the time to sprinkle in those red pepper flakes along with a bit more Parmesan on top. There you have it—Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti, ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with an extra shower of Parmesan cheese and a generous pinch of red pepper flakes for a little sparkle and flash. If you’re feeling fancy, a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil brings color and a pop of freshness that cuts through the richness. And don’t be afraid to add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving for an added gloss.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a star but loves some simple company. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad—think arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemony vinaigrette. Warm, crusty garlic bread makes it a full-on comfort meal, perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce. If you’re craving protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies all work beautifully next to your Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping touch, swirl the spaghetti into little nests with tongs and plate them on individual dishes. Try serving it family-style in a big platter topped with extra herbs for a cozy, inviting look. Or, for your next dinner party, portion into ramekins, top with Parmesan, and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden finish your guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Store your Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, making for an even richer next-day meal. Just be sure to let the pasta cool a bit before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, it’s definitely possible to freeze this dish for up to one month. Transfer completely cooled spaghetti and sauce to a freezer-safe bag or container. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight so you can reheat slowly and gently.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to return that dreamy silkiness. Stir gently until everything is warmed through, being careful not to let the sauce boil or it might separate. If you’re in a rush, the microwave on low works too—just cover and stir often.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. The sauce clings to most shapes beautifully, so use what you love or have on hand.

What if I don’t want to use wine?

No problem. Simply swap the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable stock for added flavor without the alcohol. The result is still delicious and creamy.

How can I make Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti vegetarian?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian, as long as you choose a Parmesan cheese made without animal rennet. Double-check labels if strict vegetarian prep is important to you.

Is it possible to lighten up the sauce?

You can certainly make it a bit lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or cutting the cream with some milk. The sauce will be a bit thinner but still satisfyingly creamy.

What proteins can I add for a heartier meal?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, crispy bacon, or roasted mushrooms are all fantastic additions that pair well with the rich flavors in Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti. Just cook your favorite protein separately and toss it in before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an irresistibly easy, elegant dinner that tastes like a treat, give Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti a whirl. With just the right balance of garlic, cream, and cheese, it’s comfort food at its best—perfect for sharing with people you love, or just savoring a little extra indulgence all to yourself.

Print