# Cowboy Butter Spaghetti

Spaghetti tossed in a rich, garlicky compound butter spiked with lemon, Dijon, and a kick of red pepper — weeknight comfort with serious depth.

_Dinner · Modern_

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 20 min · Total: 30 min · Yields: 4 servings

## Ingredients

- 1 lb spaghetti
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick, cut into tablespoons)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives (finely chopped)
- ½ tsp kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved before draining)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (plus more to serve)

## Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the 1 lb spaghetti until just al dente according to package directions. Reserve 0.5 cup pasta cooking water before draining, then drain the pasta.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt the 8 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it foam and settle — do not let it brown.
3. Add the 6 cloves minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 60–90 seconds until fragrant but not golden.
4. Stir in the 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and 0.5 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring to bloom the spices into the butter.
5. Add the lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice from the 1 large lemon, then season with 0.5 tsp kosher salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss to coat in the cowboy butter.
7. Splash in the reserved 0.5 cup pasta cooking water a little at a time, tossing continuously, until the sauce clings to every strand and looks glossy.
8. Remove from heat. Add the 0.5 cup grated Parmesan and toss until melted and incorporated.
9. Finish with the 2 tbsp fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh chives. Toss once more, taste for salt, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

## Tip

> Pull the pasta 1 minute before the package says al dente — it finishes cooking in the butter sauce. Overcooked pasta won't hold the emulsion and the sauce will slide right off.

Tags: weeknight, one-pan, comfort-food, 30-minute, vegetarian

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Canonical: https://just-recipes.io/recipes/cowboy-butter-spaghetti