Garlic Butter Noodles are a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect as a quick main course or a versatile side dish. Made with tender noodles tossed in a buttery, garlicky sauce, this recipe is comforting, easy to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The rich garlic butter sauce is both savory and aromatic.
- Versatile: Works as a standalone meal or as a side dish for proteins like chicken, shrimp, or steak.
- Customizable: Add veggies, herbs, or protein for endless variations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes or lemon juice for added flavor
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly in the garlic butter. If the noodles seem dry, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water.
- Add Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Lemon Garlic Noodles: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the noodles and add zest for a citrusy twist.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the butter sauce may separate when thawed.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt to avoid over-seasoning.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are great options, but shorter pasta like penne or rotini also works well.
3. How can I make this dish vegan?
Use vegan butter, olive oil, and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
4. Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
5. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic on medium heat and stir frequently to avoid burning, which can make it bitter.
6. Can I add cream for a richer sauce?
Yes, adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half creates a creamy garlic butter sauce.
7. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Asiago, Romano, or a vegan Parmesan alternative works well.
8. How do I keep the noodles from clumping?
Toss the drained pasta with a bit of olive oil before adding it to the sauce.
9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
10. What sides go well with Garlic Butter Noodles?
A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this dish.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Noodles are a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a quick meal or as part of a larger spread, this dish delivers bold flavors and comforting textures. Try it today and enjoy the magic of garlic and butter in every bite!
Print
Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Garlic Butter Noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish, perfect as a side or a quick meal. Tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, these noodles are irresistible and pair well with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground 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 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Stir in the reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss until the cheese melts and the noodles are evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Divide the noodles among plates or serve family-style in a large bowl.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of salt if needed.
Notes
- Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or sautéed vegetables for a heartier meal.
- Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a different flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.