One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic Butter and Parmesan
A quick and satisfying one-pot spaghetti dish tossed in garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 5 cups water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, combine 12 oz spaghetti and 5 cups water, ensuring pasta is submerged. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook uncovered for 8 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, stirring continuously until butter melts and garlic becomes fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, tossing gently to coat the spaghetti evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pasta.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic Butter and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 One-Pot 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 One-Pot 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 One-Pot 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic Butter and Parmesan?
Italian one pot 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.
