Smith Family Spaghetti with Herb Butter
A comforting weeknight pasta dish named after America's most common surname, featuring a rich herb-infused butter sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, unsalted butter, finely chopped fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp chopped basil, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until pasta is evenly coated and sauce clings to every strand.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smith Family Spaghetti with Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Smith Family Spaghetti with Herb 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smith Family Spaghetti with Herb 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 Smith Family Spaghetti with Herb 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 Smith Family Spaghetti with Herb Butter?
Italian pasta 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
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this smith are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
