Garlic Butter Whole Wheat Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy whole wheat pasta tossed with garlic butter and fresh parsley for a simple, satisfying dish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs whole wheat spaghetti, unsalted butter, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir until the butter is melted and the garlic is fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring to coat in the garlic butter. Add 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheese is melted.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic Butter Whole Wheat Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic Butter Whole Wheat Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole wheat spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Butter Whole Wheat Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic Butter Whole Wheat Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Garlic Butter Whole Wheat Pasta vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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