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Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Herbs

Garlic butter spaghetti with herbs is a delightful, flavorful dish that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t require much prep work but still delivers a mouthful of deliciousness. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: a creamy, rich garlic butter sauce that coats each strand of spaghetti, infused with the aromatic flavors of fresh herbs. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or someone just looking to try something new in the kitchen, this recipe will not disappoint.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients at hand.

Spaghetti (400g): A long, thin pasta that serves as the base of this dish.
Butter (100g): Preferably unsalted for better control over the seasoning.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The star of the dish, giving it that rich, savory flavor.
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, and basil, 1 tablespoon each, chopped): These herbs bring a refreshing contrast to the buttery richness.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): A great addition to give the dish a cheesy, savory note.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): To sauté the garlic.
Salt (to taste): Always essential to bring out the flavors.
Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste): For a hint of spice.

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This should take about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.

2. Sauté the Garlic and Herbs

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until golden and fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Once the garlic is ready, toss in the chopped herbs—parsley, thyme, and basil—and stir for another minute. The fresh herbs will release their essential oils, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma.

3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Stir the garlic and herbs into the butter, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you feel the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

4. Toss the Spaghetti

Once the butter has melted and the sauce has come together, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring that every strand is well-coated. If the sauce looks dry, you can add a bit more pasta water to help the butter coat the noodles.

5. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Give everything one final toss, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

6. Serve

Serve the garlic butter spaghetti hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs or Parmesan if desired. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic butter spaghetti pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. If you prefer a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it even more satisfying.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Spaghetti

Don’t overcook the garlic: The key to a rich garlic flavor without bitterness is to sauté the garlic just until it’s golden. Overcooking it can turn the garlic bitter.
Use fresh herbs: Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh herbs bring a more vibrant, aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps thicken the sauce and allows it to better cling to the spaghetti.
Grate your own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more easily and gives a better texture than pre-shredded cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use any other pasta instead of spaghetti?
A: Yes! You can use other types of pasta like fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use.

Q: Can I make this dish without Parmesan cheese?
A: While Parmesan adds a wonderful depth of flavor, you can leave it out if you prefer a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast can be used as a substitute for a cheesy flavor.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: If you love spice, you can add some red pepper flakes along with the garlic, or even sauté a chopped chili with the garlic for extra heat.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. Use about one teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftover garlic butter spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Summary

Garlic butter spaghetti with herbs is a timeless recipe that’s easy to make and delicious to eat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Experiment with different herbs and pasta shapes to customize this dish to your liking. Enjoy!