Garlic Butter Pasta (Full recipe pinned in the comments)
Garlic Butter Pasta 🔥 (Full recipe pinned in the comments) is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Ben Chelin on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 28 min
Cost: $3.40 total, $0.85 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti (dry, preferably 100% durum wheat)
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces for even melting)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced fine)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, stems removed)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Boil Pasta
Fill a large pot with 4‑5 quarts of water, add 1 tsp salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Prepare Garlic Butter
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Sauté Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it brown.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the spaghetti in a colander. Transfer the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic‑butter. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce becomes glossy.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium heat
Finish and Serve
Stir in the chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together for another 30 seconds, then plate immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spaghetti: Linguine, Fettuccine
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Olive oil, Margarine
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Basil, Italian seasoning
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Grater
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking spaghetti al dente
- Sautéing garlic without burning
- Emulsifying the butter with pasta water
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh, high‑quality butter for the richest flavor.
- Add a pinch of red‑pepper flakes for a subtle heat if desired.
- Finish with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil for added depth.
Troubleshooting
Pasta is sticky after draining.
Rinse briefly with warm water and toss with a little olive oil before adding to the skillet.
Sauce is too thick or dry.
Add additional reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Garlic tastes bitter.
Ensure garlic is sautéed only until fragrant; remove from heat immediately if it starts to brown.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when reheated.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Garlic butter sauce can be made up to 2 hours ahead; keep warm on low heat and add pasta water before tossing with pasta.
- Pre‑chop parsley and grate Parmesan and store in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Garlic Butter Spaghetti in Italian cuisine?
Garlic butter spaghetti, known in Italy as "Spaghetti al Burro e Aglio," is a simple peasant‑style dish that highlights the quality of basic ingredients—olive oil or butter, garlic, and pasta. It reflects the Italian culinary philosophy of letting a few high‑quality components shine.
What are the traditional regional variations of garlic butter spaghetti in Italy?
In southern Italy, olive oil often replaces butter, and the dish may include chili flakes. In the north, especially in Lombardy, butter is favored and sometimes a splash of cream is added for richness.
How is garlic butter spaghetti traditionally served in Italy?
It is typically served as a primi piatti (first course) with a generous sprinkling of grated Pecorino or Parmesan and a garnish of fresh parsley. It is enjoyed hot, directly after tossing with the sauce.
During what occasions is garlic butter spaghetti traditionally eaten in Italian culture?
Because it is quick and inexpensive, garlic butter spaghetti is common for everyday family meals, but it also appears at informal gatherings and after‑work dinners where a fast, satisfying dish is needed.
What makes garlic butter spaghetti special in Italian cuisine?
Its simplicity showcases the Italian principle of "less is more," relying on the aroma of garlic, the richness of butter, and the al dente texture of quality pasta to create a comforting yet elegant dish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic butter spaghetti?
Common errors include overcooking the garlic until it turns bitter, not reserving pasta water for emulsification, and cooking the spaghetti beyond al dente, which results in a mushy texture.
Why does this garlic butter spaghetti recipe use butter instead of olive oil?
Ben Chelin chooses butter for its creamy mouthfeel and ability to coat the pasta evenly; butter also mellows the sharpness of garlic, creating a richer sauce than olive oil alone.
Can I make garlic butter spaghetti ahead of time and how should I store it?
The sauce can be prepared up to two hours ahead and kept warm on low heat. Store cooked spaghetti separately in the refrigerator and reheat together, adding a splash of pasta water to revive the sauce.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making garlic butter spaghetti?
The pasta should be al dente—firm to the bite—and the sauce should be glossy, lightly coating each strand without clumping. Fresh parsley adds a bright green speckle, and grated Parmesan creates a subtle snow‑flake finish.
What does the YouTube channel Ben Chelin specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ben Chelin focuses on approachable, home‑cooked dinner recipes that are quick, budget‑friendly, and designed for everyday cooks who want reliable meals without fuss.
How does the YouTube channel Ben Chelin's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Ben Chelin emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and practical tips for scaling recipes, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate techniques or gourmet presentations.
What other Italian recipes is the YouTube channel Ben Chelin known for?
Ben Chelin’s popular Italian‑style videos include "One‑Pot Tomato Basil Pasta," "Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine," and "Easy Chicken Parmesan," all featuring simple methods and pantry‑friendly ingredients.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
