Johnson's Spaghetti with Garlic Butter
A rich and creamy spaghetti dish made with garlic-infused butter, Parmesan, and a touch of lemon for brightness. This italian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, unsalted butter 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.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 400g spaghetti
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1, zested and juiced (2 tbsp) lemon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 400g spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and cook until melted, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
- Step 4: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Spaghetti with Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Johnson's Spaghetti with Garlic Butter?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Spaghetti with Garlic Butter?
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 Johnson's Spaghetti with Garlic Butter 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.
What goes well with Johnson's Spaghetti with Garlic Butter?
Italian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
