Can I make this without cream?

Yes. Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use pasta water plus a little extra butter for a lighter sauce.

What protein can I add?

Shrimp, chicken breast, tofu, or white beans all work well.

01 March 2026

Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Chili Crisp

Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Chili Crisp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3
Ingredients: 240 g spaghetti; 30 g butter (unsalted); 15 ml olive oil; 2 pieces shallot (thinly sliced); 5 cloves garlic (minced); 30 g chili crisp; 240 ml cream (or coconut milk); 15 ml soy sauce (optional); 50 g parmesan (finely grated); 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp oregano; black pepper (to taste); salt (to taste)

RecipeShare Test Kitchen

Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Chili Crisp

This spaghetti is built for quick comfort cooking: garlic, butter, cream, and parmesan with chili crisp for heat and texture. It is rich but still practical for weeknights because the sauce comes together in one pan.

The flavor profile is savory and slightly spicy, with a silky finish from pasta water emulsification.

Why This Recipe Works

Shallot and garlic build depth early in the pan. Chili crisp adds heat and umami without needing multiple spice components.

Cream and parmesan give body, while starchy pasta water keeps the sauce glossy rather than heavy.

Ingredient Notes

Use a chili crisp you like, since heat levels vary by brand. Start with half, then adjust after tossing with pasta.

Coconut milk can replace cream if needed, though the sauce will taste lighter and slightly sweeter.

High-Level Method

Cook pasta first and reserve water. Build garlic butter base, bloom seasonings, and simmer cream. Melt in parmesan, then toss pasta until coated and glossy.

Serve immediately for best texture.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or milk.

Avoid high heat during reheating so the sauce does not split.

Serving & Goal Fit

Recommended serving size is 1 bowl (about 320 g) with a side salad or cooked vegetables.

On training days, keep the full pasta portion or add +50 g cooked rice if needed. On rest days, reduce carbs slightly by serving a smaller pasta portion.

Protein swaps: shrimp, chicken, tofu, or tempeh. Vegetable add-ins: spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, peas, courgette, onions, green beans, frozen mixed veg, or tenderstem broccoli.

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

Servings

Tools Used

Large Skillet Pasta PotWooden SpoonColander

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Comments & Reviews

Kati Kettong
9/1/2025
Family-friendly and full of flavor.
Marti
8/23/2025
Creamy, spicy, and easy to cook.
Helen
8/7/2025
Made it and it was excellent.
That miata
7/31/2025
Added lemon at the end and it worked well.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 320 g)

Calories 610

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 31g40%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 70mg23%

Sodium 640mg28%

Total Carbohydrates 65g24%

Dietary Fiber 4g14%

Sugars 5g

Protein 18g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

01 March 2026

Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Chili Crisp

RecipeShare Test Kitchen

Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Chili Crisp

The flavor profile is savory and slightly spicy, with a silky finish from pasta water emulsification.

Why This Recipe Works

Shallot and garlic build depth early in the pan. Chili crisp adds heat and umami without needing multiple spice components.

Cream and parmesan give body, while starchy pasta water keeps the sauce glossy rather than heavy.

Ingredient Notes

Use a chili crisp you like, since heat levels vary by brand. Start with half, then adjust after tossing with pasta.

Coconut milk can replace cream if needed, though the sauce will taste lighter and slightly sweeter.

High-Level Method

Cook pasta first and reserve water. Build garlic butter base, bloom seasonings, and simmer cream. Melt in parmesan, then toss pasta until coated and glossy.

Serve immediately for best texture.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or milk.

Avoid high heat during reheating so the sauce does not split.

Serving & Goal Fit

Recommended serving size is 1 bowl (about 320 g) with a side salad or cooked vegetables.

On training days, keep the full pasta portion or add +50 g cooked rice if needed. On rest days, reduce carbs slightly by serving a smaller pasta portion.

Protein swaps: shrimp, chicken, tofu, or tempeh. Vegetable add-ins: spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, peas, courgette, onions, green beans, frozen mixed veg, or tenderstem broccoli.