Description
This Garlic Butter Noodles recipe is a quick and comforting dish perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. Made with al dente pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it delivers luscious flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried pasta noodles (spaghetti or penne work well)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds depth)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Romano for a sharper bite)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, adds freshness)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add dried pasta and cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the noodles in the garlic butter sauce.
- Add Cheese and Adjust Sauce: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with some of the reserved pasta water, adding enough water until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the noodles smoothly.
- Season and Garnish: Season the noodles with salt and ground black pepper to your taste. Optionally, sprinkle with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving for enhanced flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness better since Parmesan cheese is already salty.
- Reserving pasta water is crucial to adjusting the sauce consistency and helping it adhere to the noodles.
- Do not overcook the garlic; it should be fragrant but not browned to prevent bitterness.
- Feel free to substitute Romano cheese for a sharper flavor profile.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Butter Noodles, Easy Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Parmesan Noodles
