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
- 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.
- Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden base for the sauce.
- Introduce finely chopped garlic to the melted butter, sautéing for approximately 60-90 seconds until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter mixture, allowing their subtle heat to infuse the sauce.
- Pour reserved pasta water into the skillet, creating a silky emulsion that will help coat the noodles evenly.
- Transfer drained pasta directly into the garlic-infused butter sauce, gently tossing to ensure each strand is luxuriously covered.
- Shower the noodles with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding depth and a salty complexity to the dish.
- Scatter chopped parsley across the surface, bringing a fresh, bright note to the rich garlic butter base.
- Season with a delicate pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile.
- 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