Half-and-Half Spaghetti with Garlic Butter and Parmesan
Simple pasta tossed in a sauce made by combining equal parts butter and cream for a luscious coating with garlic and Parmesan. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs spaghetti, unsalted butter, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 9-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-and-Half Spaghetti with Garlic Butter and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Half-and-Half Spaghetti with Garlic Butter and Parmesan?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-and-Half Spaghetti with Garlic Butter and Parmesan?
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 Half-and-Half Spaghetti with Garlic Butter and Parmesan 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 Half-and-Half Spaghetti with Garlic Butter and Parmesan 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.
