Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe – Quick & Flavorful Dish
Garlic Butter Noodles is a simple, savory dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Perfect as a quick dinner or a side dish, this recipe is versatile, satisfying, and ready in minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine (or your preferred pasta)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter. If needed, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen the sauce and ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Season and Serve:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Variations: Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or sautéed vegetables for a heartier dish.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
- Pasta Options: Feel free to use gluten-free or whole-grain pasta to suit your dietary needs.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Noodles, easy pasta recipe, garlic pasta, buttery noodles, quick dinner, simple side dish, Parmesan pasta, Italian-inspired noodles.