There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe. Over the years, I’ve whipped up this delightful dish countless times, testing various techniques and flavor profiles. The result? A simple yet flavorful pasta dish that marries the richness of butter with the aromatic allure of garlic. Whether you serve it as a main event or a sidekick to your meal, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, just like my Pasta Primavera.
About Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe
This Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe is a tribute to dinner simplicity. We’ve all had those nights where time is short, and hunger is high. Enter this dish, which combines pantry staples into a delightful meal that arrives in about twenty minutes. My family often requests it, especially during busy weeks when we’re looking for something quick yet satisfying.
- Quick to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Budget-friendly and uses common pantry ingredients.
- A family favorite that everyone enjoys.
- Garlic, a core ingredient, is known for its health benefits, adding not just flavor but also nutrition.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Pasta: The heart of the dish; I prefer long noodles like spaghetti for a more elegant feel.
- Butter: Provides creaminess; use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth; fresh is best to bring out the flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a savory note; fresh grated cheese gives the best melt.
How to Make Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve about 3/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 2 minutes. The goal is to infuse the butter without browning the garlic.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, using kitchen tongs to combine. Stir in the Parmesan cheese to melt, adding spoonfuls of reserved pasta water until the noodles are glossy and well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together for a final blend and serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- When sautéing the garlic, keep an eye on it. It can quickly turn from fragrant to burnt, affecting the dish’s taste.
- If your noodles become too sticky, add a bit more pasta water in small amounts—this will help loosen them up.
- Feel free to customize! Trying out different cheeses like pecorino romano or adding vegetables can easily change the dish.
- This recipe scales up or down effortlessly; simply maintain the same ratios for a larger or smaller crowd.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
These Garlic Butter Noodles can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. If freezing, it should last about a month. Reheat gently in the skillet, adding a splash of water to keep the noodles moist. I once saved a batch for a busy week and it held up beautifully after reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Garlic Butter Noodles alongside grilled chicken or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For more inspiration, check out my Greek Salad or Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I make this recipe healthier? You can use whole grain or gluten-free pasta and reduce the butter for a lighter dish.
- Can I prepare Garlic Butter Noodles without fresh garlic? Yes, garlic powder works in a pinch! Use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
- What pasta is best for this recipe? Any long or short pasta works well, but spaghetti or fettuccine is particularly tasty.
- Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! It reheats beautifully and can be made ahead of time.
- Can I add protein to this dish? Yes! Shrimp, chicken, or even tofu can enhance it while adding a protein boost.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe has been such a delightful journey. I often enjoy it as a side to my homemade chicken and feel it perfectly complements a cozy family dinner. I hope you give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Rice Skillet – a comforting dish with a similar garlic butter flavor profile.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet – combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter in a hearty meal.
- Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves – utilizes garlic in a deliciously savory context, perfect for your main course.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread – a fantastic side that complements garlic butter noodles perfectly.
I’ve been using the CAROTE 44-piece cookware set for my recipes, and it’s been amazing. The nonstick coating works beautifully, heats evenly on induction, and cleans up fast. The elegant design, sturdy handles, and included knives make it a complete, reliable kitchen upgrade.
Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried pasta noodles (long or short pasta)
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 2 garlic cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta to the boiling water and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- In a skillet or Dutch oven large enough to hold the pasta, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the garlic and sauté lightly, stirring frequently. You want to flavor the butter without browning the garlic so do this over low heat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with kitchen tongs. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and toss so the cheese melts. Add some of the pasta water (a couple of spoonfuls at a time) and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss, adding more pasta cooking water until the pasta is glossy and coated. Most likely, you won’t need all the cooking water.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper, give it a quick toss and serve immediately topped with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.