Spicy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe – Flavor-Packed Comfort in Every Bite!
I still remember the first time I tried making this Spicy Garlic Butter Pasta. It was one of those lazy Sunday evenings where all I wanted was something quick, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Inspired by countless recipes I stumbled across on YouTube and Google, I decided to twist a few ingredients to match my own taste – and it turned out to be one of my go-to pasta dishes ever since!
Bold garlic, creamy butter, and that delightful chili kick…
This isn’t your average pasta – it’s a spicy umami bomb that you’ll crave again and again.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Saucepan | To boil pasta | Local kitchen store, Amazon |
| Frying Pan / Skillet | To make the sauce | Walmart, Target, Amazon |
| Garlic Press (optional) | For easily mincing garlic | Online or kitchen aisles |
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
📝 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive or Vegetable Oil | 20g (1½ tbsp approx) |
| Garlic (sliced) | 45g |
| Unsalted Butter | 15g (1 tbsp) |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 tbsp (15g) |
| Chili Flakes | 1 tsp |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Oyster Sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Spaghetti or Pasta | 150g (dry) |
| Parmesan Cheese | As desired |
| Green Onion (chopped) | For garnish |
👩🍳 Instructions – Step-by-Step
- Boil the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 150g of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain. - Sauté Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, add 20g of olive or vegetable oil. Add 45g of thinly sliced garlic and gently sauté until golden and fragrant – do not burn! Remove and set aside for garnish. - Make the Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add 15g unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic (15g), chili flakes (1 tsp), and stir until aromatic. - Flavor Boost with Sauces
Pour in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp oyster sauce. Stir well and season with freshly ground black pepper. - Combine Pasta & Sauce
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the noodles. - Finish & Garnish
Plate the pasta. Top with the crispy garlic slices, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a handful of chopped green onions for freshness and color.
🧊 Food Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of water or butter to reheat on the stovetop or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Not ideal due to butter and fresh garlic, but can be frozen for 1 month if needed. Reheat gently.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or crispy tofu for a heartier meal.
- Extra Heat: Add fresh chopped chili or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Umami Kick: Try adding a teaspoon of miso paste or a dash of fish sauce.
- Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or konjac pasta instead of traditional spaghetti.
- Cheese Swap: Don’t have Parmesan? Pecorino Romano works great too.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Total Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Sodium | 920mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
❓ FAQs – You Asked, I Answered!
1. Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, garlic powder (½ tsp) can be used. Pre-minced jarred garlic may be convenient but lacks the same punch.
2. Is oyster sauce vegetarian?
Traditional oyster sauce isn’t vegetarian. For a plant-based version, use mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.
3. Can I skip the chili flakes?
Absolutely. Just remove the chili flakes for a milder version without changing the rest of the recipe.
4. What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is classic, but linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work well too.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free soy sauce/oyster sauce substitutes.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Spicy Garlic Butter Pasta has become one of my absolute comfort dishes.
It’s cozy, rich, slightly spicy, and incredibly easy to make – even when you’re not a professional chef (trust me, I’m not either!).
I just love sharing recipes that feel achievable and bring real joy to the kitchen. I hope this one brings that magic to yours too. 💛
If you try it, let me know how it turned out – and don’t forget to tweak it your way. After all, the best dishes are the ones made with heart.
Happy cooking! 🍝✨