Tasty Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe: Simple Joy in Every Bite

Comfort meets culinary magic in these luscious garlic butter noodles that dance with rich, silky flavors.

Tender strands of pasta glide effortlessly through a luxurious garlic butter sauce that whispers pure indulgence.

Each twirl promises a delectable experience that melts on your tongue with incredible depth.

The aroma of fragrant garlic and butter creates an irresistible invitation to the dinner table.

Simple ingredients blend into an extraordinary dish that satisfies deep cravings.

This quick and elegant recipe transforms ordinary noodles into a restaurant-worthy sensation.

Prepare to savor every single delicious bite of this ultimate comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Noodles

• Pasta: Select a noodle that holds sauce well, like linguine or spaghetti, ensuring even coating and delightful texture.

• Garlic: Adds powerful aromatic punch, choose fresh cloves with firm, unblemished skin for maximum flavor intensity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Creates subtle heat and depth, adjust quantity based on personal spice tolerance.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides vibrant, sharp flavor complexity.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for sauce, select high-quality unsalted butter for best control of saltiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, salty undertones, opt for freshly grated wheel cheese over pre-shredded for superior melting.
• Pasta Water: Helps create silky sauce consistency, starchy liquid acts as natural emulsifier.

• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright green color and herbaceous note, choose vibrant, crisp leaves.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, use sparingly as cheese and butter contribute saltiness.

Kitchen Gear For Garlic Butter Noodles

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water and salt.
• Skillet or Saucepan: Perfect for creating the rich, golden garlic butter sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for mincing fresh garlic and chopping parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for finely chopping garlic and parsley.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and coating noodles evenly.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for reserving the right amount of pasta water.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Steps To Make Garlic Butter Noodles

• Boil Water and Cook Noodles

Get a big pot and fill it with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in your noodles and cook them until they’re perfectly tender but still have a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out a little pasta water – you’ll need this magic liquid later.

• Create Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce

Grab a skillet and melt butter over gentle heat. Toss in finely chopped garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes for some excitement. Stir the garlic around until it turns a beautiful golden color and fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

• Marry Noodles and Sauce

Turn the heat down low. Transfer your cooked noodles into the buttery garlic paradise. Splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky smooth coating. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper. Toss everything together until the cheese melts and each noodle is glistening with flavor.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your delicious creation. Scatter some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Add an extra dusting of Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Dig in while it’s hot and savor every delicious bite.

Tips To Upgrade Garlic Butter Noodles

• Garlic Intensity Hack: Adjust the garlic amount to suit your taste. For milder flavor, use roasted garlic or reduce the quantity. Spice lovers can add extra minced garlic for a more robust kick.
• Pasta Perfect Trick: Always cook pasta just shy of package instructions to achieve that ideal al dente texture. The residual heat and sauce will continue cooking the noodles slightly.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version. Plant-based margarine works great as a butter substitute.
• Protein Power-Up: Elevate the dish by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra protein and substance. Quick-seared proteins complement the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Herb Garden Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, chives, or oregano instead of parsley. Each herb brings a unique flavor profile that can transform the entire dish.

How To Serve Garlic Butter Noodles Quickly

• Gourmet Noodle Night: Elevate your dining experience by pairing these garlic butter noodles with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, buttery flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform the dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or pan-seared salmon on top for extra protein and texture.
• Italian-Inspired Feast: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers to create a colorful and nutritious Mediterranean-style plate that complements the garlic butter sauce perfectly.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Enhance the meal with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will cut through the richness and highlight the garlic's delicate notes.

Save Garlic Butter Noodles For Later

• Meal Planner's Quick Guide
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up a double batch of these noodles and store in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated garlic butter noodles stay fresh for 3-4 days, making lunch prep a breeze.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Cool the pasta completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.
• Sauce Separation Solution: If the sauce separates when reheating, add a tablespoon of butter and stir over low heat. This trick helps reinvigorate the creamy texture and brings back the original deliciousness.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Keep leftover Parmesan and fresh herbs in separate containers. Sprinkle these just before serving reheated noodles to maintain maximum flavor and prevent soggy garnishes.

Silky Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Heavenly garlic butter noodles showcase simple Italian-inspired comfort with rich, creamy sauce. Quick ingredients blend for a satisfying meal that sparks delight when you crave something classic and indulgent.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or favorite pasta
• 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pasta water
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
• salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Aromatic Base: In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly until garlic becomes golden and fragrant, releasing its essential flavors.
3. Sauce Integration: Lower heat to minimum. Add drained pasta to the butter mixture, tossing thoroughly. Pour in reserved pasta water to create a silky, emulsified sauce. Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh black pepper, continuously mixing until cheese melts and noodles are evenly coated with a luxurious, glossy finish.
4. Serving Finale: Transfer pasta to serving dishes, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, dust with additional Parmesan and a light sprinkle of salt to enhance the overall taste profile and visual presentation.

Notes

• Master Garlic Roasting: Finely mince garlic and watch closely while sautéing to prevent burning, ensuring a golden color that releases sweet, nutty flavors without bitterness.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of starchy cooking liquid to create a silky, emulsified sauce that helps cheese melt smoothly and pasta strands coat perfectly.
• Temperature Control: Maintain low heat when combining pasta with butter sauce to prevent separation and preserve the delicate texture of both garlic and noodles.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan gradually and toss gently to integrate seamlessly, creating a creamy consistency without clumping or becoming grainy.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg