Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Butter and Fresh Parsley
Al dente spaghetti coated in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a fresh burst of parsley, perfect for a simple and satisfying pasta night. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, unsalted butter, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp for pasta water plus 1/2 tsp for seasoning salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp optional red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and just turning golden, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Toss well to combine.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats each strand of spaghetti.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and parsley sprinkled on top if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Butter and Fresh Parsley 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 Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Butter and Fresh Parsley?
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 Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Butter and Fresh Parsley?
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 Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Butter and Fresh Parsley 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 Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Butter and Fresh Parsley 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.
