Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is a rich and indulgent pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a luscious sauce made with butter, garlic, white wine, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with aromatic Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this recipe offers a flavorful and comforting meal that’s simple to prepare yet impressive for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Season and deglaze: Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it has reduced slightly and the alcohol aroma has cooked off.
- Create the creamy sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add cheese and combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if necessary.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Cook together for another minute to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy garlic butter spaghetti to serving plates and garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- For a richer taste, add a splash more butter at the end of cooking.
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to make it a more substantial meal.
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti, Garlic Butter Pasta, Italian Pasta, Comfort Food, Creamy Spaghetti Recipe