Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and downright delicious, this Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe has you covered. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy enough for a date night but simple enough for a weeknight supper, which makes it a total winner in my book. The silky sauce, infused with garlic and butter, coats every strand of spaghetti perfectly — trust me, you’ll want to twirl every last bite.

I first stumbled upon this recipe on a chilly evening when I needed something cozy but didn’t want to slave away in the kitchen. The creamy texture combined with the zing of white wine and a hint of red pepper flakes instantly made it a go-to. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe will bring everyone to the table and have them coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key part in building the layers of flavor that make this Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe so memorable. When shopping, look for fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan — they really elevate the dish.

• Spaghetti: I like using a traditional durum wheat spaghetti for that perfect al dente bite.
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin if you have it, as it adds a subtle fruity note in the sautéing.
• Unsalted butter: Unsalted gives you control over the salt level in the dish.
• Medium onion: Chopped finely to melt into the sauce without overpowering the garlic.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic makes all the difference here — minced finely to release maximum flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, but don’t be shy here; seasoning brings out the flavors beautifully.
• Italian seasoning: A simple blend of herbs that adds that classic Italian flair.
• White wine (Sauvignon blanc): Adds acidity and depth; if you’re wine-averse, you can substitute chicken broth, but wine’s the magic touch!
• Heavy cream: For that luxuriously creamy texture that clings to every noodle.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it melts seamlessly into the creamy sauce. Avoid pre-grated if possible, as it can be less flavorful.
• Red pepper flakes: A pinch gives this dish a gentle warmth and balance against the cream.

Variations

One of the best things about this Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love tweaking it now and then depending on what I have on hand or the season.

• Protein addition: Adding cooked shrimp or grilled chicken has often turned this into a heartier meal for dinner guests — trust me, it’s a winner!
• Vegetarian twist: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to add some green and earthy flavors without losing the creaminess.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan to make it vegan-friendly.
• Herb swaps: Fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the end feels so fresh and bright when you want an herb boost.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook your spaghetti perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente — I usually check a minute before the recommended time to keep that perfect bite. Drain the pasta, saving a cup of the pasta water for later just in case the sauce needs thinning.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics in butter and olive oil

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter together over medium heat until melted and fragrant. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent — about 3-4 minutes — then stir in the minced garlic. Watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn; you want it golden and aromatic.

Step 3: Build the sauce with seasoning and wine

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give it a quick stir and then pour in the white wine. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the flavors concentrate — this step adds that subtle tanginess that balances the cream.

Step 4: Add the cream and Parmesan

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the grated Parmesan gradually, whisking it in until the sauce is smooth and luscious. You want the sauce to be thick enough to coat the spaghetti but not heavy — if it feels too thick, a splash of your reserved pasta water will loosen it right up.

Step 5: Toss pasta in the sauce and finish

Add the cooked spaghetti straight into the sauce, tossing gently to ensure every strand is coated. Let it cook together for a minute or two so the flavors marry perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — sometimes just a little extra salt or pepper makes all the difference.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always top my creamy garlic butter spaghetti with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan at the table is perfect for cheese lovers like me — plus, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil gives a nice glossy finish.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually pair this with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a classic side for sopping up any leftover sauce, and roasted vegetables add a hearty touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to plate the spaghetti twirled neatly in a shallow bowl, topped with a sprig of fresh herbs and a few red pepper flakes for a pop of color. Serving it family-style in a large beautiful bowl also encourages sharing and that cozy, homey vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy garlic butter spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens when chilled, so it’s best to add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

While I generally prefer to eat this dish fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just freeze the spaghetti and sauce separately if possible—pasta tends to get mushy otherwise. When thawing, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a little cream or broth to revive the texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a low heat on the stove and stir frequently, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll want to pause and stir every 30 seconds to prevent clumping and keep that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that always puts me at ease after a long day. It’s easy enough to whip up quickly but tastes like you spent hours — and the best part is sharing it with people you care about. If you’re craving something indulgent but straightforward, give this recipe a try. I promise it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation, just like it is in mine!

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