Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc); 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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You know those dishes that just wrap you up in comfort and make any day instantly better? That’s exactly what this Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe does for me. The richness of the butter and cream combined with garlicky goodness makes it a perfect weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend treat—you really can’t go wrong.

Whether you’re rushing home after work or hosting friends for a casual evening, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Not only does it come together quickly, but the ingredients are simple pantry staples that somehow come alive when combined just right. I’m excited to share my tips and tricks so you can nail this creamy, dreamy pasta every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe brings its own magic to the table. Trust me, quality matters, especially when it comes to the cheese and wine, so it’s worth picking the best you can find.

Spaghetti: Classic and simple, it holds the sauce perfectly. Use any brand you like, but I prefer something durable that won’t get mushy.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps get the butter started without burning the garlic.
Butter (unsalted): The star of the sauce—unsalted lets you control the seasoning better.
Onion (chopped): Gives a sweet depth when sautéed, balancing the richness beautifully.
Garlic (minced): You’ll want fresh here for that punch of flavor that defines this recipe.
Salt and pepper: Simple, essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that makes the sauce taste like it’s been simmering forever.
White wine (Sauvignon blanc): Adds acidity and complexity—if you can’t find wine, a splash of chicken broth works.
Heavy cream: For that creamy, luscious texture you can’t resist.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly into the sauce and packing in flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Just a touch to give a gentle, warm kick without overwhelming the dish.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe is so versatile—you can easily make it your own depending on what you’re craving or what’s in your pantry. Here are a few ways I’ve customized it over time:

Adding protein: I sometimes toss in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal. The sauce clings to everything beautifully.
Vegetarian boost: Roasted mushrooms or spinach stirred in add texture and earthiness.
Dairy-free swap: I’ve experimented with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy, cheesy feel without dairy.
Spicy twist: If you like heat, crank up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. I always taste a strand a minute or so before the suggested time to avoid mushy pasta because that’s a surefire way to ruin the texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save about a cup of the pasta water—it’s pure gold for adjusting sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Onion and Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent—usually about 5 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, just until fragrant. Don’t rush this step because it creates the flavor foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Deglaze

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring to coat the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any little bits stuck to the bottom. Let this simmer for a few minutes until the wine reduces slightly—that’s where your sauce gains depth and character.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through but avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese in batches, stirring gently until melted and your sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning before tossing in the red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Combine Spaghetti with Sauce

Drop the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet with your creamy sauce. Toss everything together, coating the noodles evenly—adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick. This not only helps the sauce cling better but keeps the dish silky. That’s it—your creamy garlic butter spaghetti is ready!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and brightness. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts, and if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts gives a lovely crunch.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this spaghetti with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is an obvious, delicious side, and steamed or roasted vegetables—like asparagus or broccoli—make a great contrast to the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve twirled the spaghetti into little nests on the plate and topped each with a roasted cherry tomato or a drizzle of herb oil. It makes for a charming presentation that’s both elegant and comforting, perfect for date nights or when friends come over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce from thickening too much, I like to stir in a splash of milk or cream before heating it back up—this helps bring back that silky texture that makes the dish so good.

Freezing

Freezing creamy pasta can be a bit tricky, but it’s doable. I usually freeze the sauce separately without the pasta, since noodles can get mushy. When ready to eat, gently thaw and warm the sauce, then freshly cook spaghetti to toss together.

Reheating

Reheating is best done on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch—just stir every 30 seconds to evenly warm and keep the cream from separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully with this sauce, feel free to swap in fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, and you’ll enjoy the same creamy deliciousness.
What if I don’t have white wine on hand?

No worries! You can substitute white wine with chicken or vegetable broth, or even a splash of lemon juice. This will maintain acidity and add flavor without overpowering the dish.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. The result is still creamy and flavorful!
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, warm it gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I keep coming back to it because it’s easy, comforting, and makes me feel like a pro in my own kitchen. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something so special. Trust me, once you master it, this could be your new go-to for busy nights or anytime you want a little delicious indulgence.