Name: Speedy Butter Garlic Spaghetti
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz. spaghetti; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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I make this meal on busy weeknights. I like how fast it comes together. I can cook it while kids do homework or when I am short on time. This Speedy Butter Garlic Spaghetti became my go-to when I want hot food in under 20 minutes.

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I keep the pantry items on hand. I use simple tools and a small pan. I do not spend time on long prep or fancy sauces. It fills the gap between frozen dinners and slow cooking. I can change it with what I have in the fridge.

This recipe is a simple pasta dish. It uses cooked spaghetti, butter, and garlic. The sauce tastes rich and garlicky. People often make it for quick weeknight dinners or a fast lunch. It pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables. You can find other quick butter-garlic ideas like buttered lobster pasta with garlic and herbs for a different meal.

Why make this recipe

This dish saves time. It takes little prep and few ingredients. The flavor is strong but familiar. Butter gives a smooth mouthfeel and garlic adds a bright bite. You can change the dish to fit what you have. It works for solo meals or a small family dinner. The easy steps make it a steady choice for busy nights and simple hosting.

How to make this recipe

Start by boiling pasta to the right bite. While it cooks, melt butter and cook garlic just until it smells. Toss the drained pasta in the garlic butter so each strand gets coated. Keep heat low near the end so butter does not burn. The whole flow is quick and linked: boil, melt, toss, serve. For more simple pan work, see an easy sheet pan garlic butter chicken and veggies recipe at easy sheet pan garlic butter chicken & veggies.

Ingredients

8 oz. spaghetti — a standard single package portion. It cooks fast and holds sauce well.
4 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives the main flavor. Mince small so it cooks evenly.
1/4 cup butter — the base of the sauce. Use salted or unsalted and adjust salt later.
Salt and pepper to taste — simple seasoning that brings out the garlic and butter.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) — adds color and fresh taste at the end.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) — gives a salty, nutty finish if you like dairy on top.

Directions

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Note: Al dente keeps the pasta firm and gives a better texture with the butter sauce.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Note: Watch the garlic so it does not brown. Burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Note: Use tongs or two forks to mix so each strand gets sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue tossing for another minute. Note: Taste as you go. A little salt brings out the butter and garlic.
Remove from heat once spaghetti is heated through and coated with sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your quick and delicious meal!

How to serve this recipe

Serve this meal hot on simple plates. Add a green salad or steamed broccoli on the side. A slice of toast or garlic bread works well if you want more carbs. For a fuller meal, top with cooked shrimp or shredded chicken. You can also set out Parmesan and red pepper flakes so each person adds what they like. This dish fits quick family dinners, light lunches, or a no-fuss guest meal.

How to store this recipe

Cool the pasta to room temperature before storing. Put it in an airtight container and keep in the fridge. It stays good for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or extra butter to bring back the sauce texture.

Tips to make this recipe

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Do not overcook the garlic. If the sauce seems dry, add a small splash of pasta water or more butter. Leftover pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Keep heat low when you mix the pasta so the butter does not separate. For more ideas on garlic butter pasta with meat, check this cheesy penne garlic butter and ground beef comfort food link: cheesy penne with garlic butter and ground beef.

Variation

You can add cooked shrimp, chicken, or canned tuna to make the meal heartier. Stir in lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon for a bright note. Swap parsley for basil if you like a sweeter herb. Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter taste, but the dish will be less rich. The recipe stays simple, so changes should be small to keep the quick cook time.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta?

A: Yes. Use any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Adjust cooking time.

Q: Can I skip fresh garlic?

A: You can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic gives better flavor.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Use olive oil or a plant butter instead of butter.

Q: How do I avoid soggy pasta?

A: Drain well and toss quickly in the hot pan so the sauce coats the pasta.

Conclusion

This simple pasta is a fast, useful meal for busy nights. It makes good use of pantry items and cooks in a short time. For more garlic butter pasta ideas, see the Garlic Butter Pasta – Beyond The Chicken Coop guide for a classic take. You can also compare techniques with the Garlic Butter Pasta – Little Sunny Kitchen post to tweak your version.