Delicious Easy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

Quick Buttery Garlic Noodles Recipe That Wows Every Time

Whipping up delicious garlic butter noodles can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Comfort meets simplicity in this mouthwatering dish that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Aromatic garlic dances with silky butter, creating a luxurious coating for perfectly cooked pasta.

Each twirl of noodles promises a burst of rich, savory flavor that will make your taste buds sing.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike can master this incredibly satisfying recipe in minutes.

Minimal ingredients, maximum enjoyment – you’ll want to add this crowd-pleasing meal to your weekly rotation.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pasta perfection that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Garlic Butter Noodles That Impress

  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Tackle dinner stress with this lightning-fast pasta dish that requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor in just a few quick steps.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily personalize the recipe by adjusting spice levels with chili flakes or adding protein like chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
  • Pantry-Friendly Delight: Craft a delicious dinner using basic ingredients most home cooks already have on hand, making this a go-to solution for unexpected hunger pangs.
  • Kid-Approved Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy, and mild enough for picky eaters while still satisfying for adults, this dish brings the whole family together around the dinner table.

Ingredients That Make Garlic Butter Noodles Shine

Core Ingredients:
  • Pasta: Classic noodle base for this quick and delicious dish.
  • Butter: Creates a rich and creamy sauce for the noodles.
  • Garlic: Provides a bold and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chili Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Add warmth, seasoning, and depth to the noodle recipe.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty and nutty complement to the garlic butter sauce.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright and vibrant touch to the final presentation.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Noodles

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Cook pasta in salted water until perfectly tender. Save some pasta water before draining for later use.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Butter Sauce

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in freshly minced garlic and cook until golden and releasing delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

Add these ingredients to the skillet:
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Reserved pasta water

Simmer briefly to blend flavors and create a silky sauce.

Step 4: Combine Noodles And Sauce

Transfer cooked pasta into the skillet.

Gently toss noodles until completely coated with the garlicky butter mixture.

Step 5: Season And Finish

Sprinkle these ingredients over the noodles:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss everything together to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 6: Plate And Serve

Transfer noodles to serving plates. Optional: Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for added visual appeal and flavor.

Suggestions to Enhance Garlic Butter Noodles

  • Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary needs without compromising flavor.
  • Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more intense, robust taste that elevates the entire dish.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili flakes or replacing them with mild herbs like basil or oregano for a milder version.
  • Save pasta water as a secret weapon to create a silky, smooth sauce that helps ingredients cling perfectly to noodles.
  • Experiment with additional mix-ins like sautĂ©ed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables to transform this simple side into a complete meal.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Butter Noodles

  • Vegan Herb Noodles: Replace butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Asian-Inspired Noodles: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha for an east Asian flavor profile with extra heat.
  • Protein-Packed Upgrade: Mix in cooked shredded chicken or sautĂ©ed shrimp to transform the dish into a more substantial meal.

Pairings That Complement Garlic Butter Noodles

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve these noodles in deep ceramic bowls to capture the warm, saucy essence and make each bite feel like a comforting hug.
  • Appetizer Twist: Create small portions in elegant shot glasses or mini ramekins for a chic party starter that looks impressive and tastes delicious.
  • Protein Boost: Top the noodles with grilled chicken strips, sautĂ©ed shrimp, or crispy tofu to transform this simple dish into a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Fresh Side Kick: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add nutrition and balance the rich, garlicky flavor of the noodles.

Proper Storage for Garlic Butter Noodles

  • Store leftover garlic butter noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep pasta separate from any additional toppings like fresh parsley to maintain crispness.
  • Refrigeration helps preserve the dish's flavor and texture while preventing bacterial growth.
  • Cool the noodles completely before sealing the container to avoid moisture buildup.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape like spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or penne. Just cook according to package instructions.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The chili flakes are optional. If you want a mild version, skip them or use less. If you enjoy heat, add more chili flakes to suit your taste.

  • What can I do if the sauce seems too dry?

Reserve more pasta water when cooking. The starchy water helps create a silky, smooth sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This garlic butter noodles recipe is naturally vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetarian Parmesan cheese if needed.

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Delicious Easy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

Delicious Easy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Garlic butter noodles from Italy promise a delightful culinary experience that blends simple ingredients with rich flavors. Pasta twirled with melted butter, garlic, and parmesan creates a comforting meal you can savor in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Liquid:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) pasta water

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Carefully set aside 1/4 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining completely.
  2. Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden base for the sauce.
  3. Introduce finely chopped garlic to the melted butter, sautéing for approximately 60-90 seconds until aromatic and lightly golden.
  4. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter mixture, allowing their subtle heat to infuse the sauce.
  5. Pour reserved pasta water into the skillet, creating a silky emulsion that will help coat the noodles evenly.
  6. Transfer drained pasta directly into the garlic-infused butter sauce, gently tossing to ensure each strand is luxuriously covered.
  7. Shower the noodles with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding depth and a salty complexity to the dish.
  8. Scatter chopped parsley across the surface, bringing a fresh, bright note to the rich garlic butter base.
  9. Season with a delicate pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile.
  10. Plate immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and parsley for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes for spice-sensitive diners or those craving extra kick.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising flavor.
  • Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial and balanced dish.
  • Experiment with alternative herbs like basil or chives to create unique flavor variations while maintaining the recipe’s simplicity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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