There’s something irresistibly delightful about garlic butter noodles. Picture perfectly cooked pasta drenched in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce that dances with flavor. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a dish that’s both comforting and utterly satisfying.
You might find yourself reminiscing about cozy family dinners or evenings spent with friends over a shared plate of these delectable noodles. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, garlic butter noodles are the perfect way to elevate any meal. Get ready for an explosion of buttery goodness that will leave your taste buds singing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These garlic butter noodles are incredibly easy to whip up in under 30 minutes
- The rich flavor profile combines the savory notes of garlic with creamy butter and herbs
- Visually appealing with a glossy finish, they make any dinner table shine
- Perfect as a main dish or side, these noodles adapt to your cravings effortlessly
I remember the first time I made garlic butter noodles for my friends; they were blown away by how simple yet delicious it was. We all devoured the entire pot in record time!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Spaghetti or Linguine: Use your favorite pasta shape; just ensure it’s cooked al dente for perfect texture.
Unsalted Butter: Always go for unsalted so you can control the saltiness in your dish.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh cloves for the best aroma and flavor; minced is ideal.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh for the richest taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Fresh Parsley: Chop finely for a burst of color and freshness; it brightens up the dish beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 1-2 minutes.
Add the Noodles: Drain your pasta, reserving some cooking water. Toss the hot noodles into the skillet with garlic butter, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Mix in Cheese and Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese along with chopped parsley. Add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.
Season to Taste: Sprinkle with salt and pepper as needed. Give everything one final toss before serving to ensure all flavors meld together beautifully.
Strongly recommend serving immediately while hot, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired! Enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter noodles are a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen will make everyone hungry
- This dish is simple yet satisfies even the pickiest eaters with its buttery goodness
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the noodles first while melting the butter and sautéing the garlic. This way, everything comes together seamlessly and you avoid overcooked pasta.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize with veggies like spinach or bell peppers, or sprinkle in some cheese for extra creaminess. This dish takes well to various flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover garlic butter noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality butter to enhance flavor significantly; it makes a world of difference
- Always salt your pasta water generously; it’s where your noodles get their first taste
- Freshly minced garlic gives a stronger flavor than pre-processed options, so don’t skimp!
Nothing brings back memories quite like cooking for loved ones. I remember making garlic butter noodles for my friends one late night after a long day, and they devoured every last bite—compliments galore!
FAQ
Can I add protein to garlic butter noodles?
Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp pairs wonderfully with garlic butter noodles.
What type of noodles work best?
Spaghetti or fettuccine are excellent choices for this delicious dish.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter and substitute nutritional yeast for the cheese flavor.
Garlic Butter Noodles
Garlic butter noodles are a delightful, comforting dish that brings rich flavors and an irresistible aroma to your kitchen. This quick recipe features perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a creamy garlic butter sauce, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With minimal ingredients and under 30 minutes of preparation, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends while satisfying even the pickiest eaters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, boil pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving some cooking water.
- 2. Sauté garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3. Combine: Toss hot noodles into the skillet with garlic butter; ensure they are evenly coated.
- 4. Mix in cheese and herbs: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley. Add reserved pasta water gradually for desired creaminess.
- 5. Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
