Homemade Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe: A Simple Joy

Comfort meets simplicity in these irresistible garlic buttered noodles that dance with rich, golden flavor.

Silky strands of pasta coated in a luscious butter sauce promise pure culinary bliss.

Minced garlic adds a bold, aromatic punch to this classic dish that speaks directly to your hunger.

Each twirl of noodles carries deep, savory notes that make weeknight dinners feel special.

The recipe transforms basic ingredients into a meal that feels both elegant and homey.

Salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs complete this delectable plate.

Grab a fork and savor every creamy, garlicky bite.

Why Garlic Buttered Noodles Always Please

• Dive into a creamy, buttery pasta dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, delivering classic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Transform this basic recipe into a customizable masterpiece by adding proteins like chicken or shrimp, or mixing in fresh herbs and vegetables for endless variations.
• Prepare a mouth-watering meal in just a few minutes, with straightforward steps that require minimal prep and cooking time, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute hunger attacks.

Ingredients in Garlic Buttered Noodles

• Pasta: A foundational ingredient that serves as the base of this comforting dish.
• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a luxurious sauce for the noodles.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire dish with warmth.

• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor and helps create a creamy texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Parsley, Optional Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright note and provides a pop of color to the final presentation.

Cooking Garlic Noodles the Easy Way

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a vigorous boil.

Carefully drop in your favorite pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Watch the pasta closely and follow package cooking guidelines.

Step 2: Capture Pasta Water

Before draining, carefully scoop out about 3/4 cup of the starchy cooking water.

This magical liquid will help create a silky sauce later.

Drain the pasta completely and let it sit momentarily.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Base

Grab a spacious skillet or Dutch oven.

• Butter
• Minced garlic

Stir the garlic constantly to prevent browning.

The goal is to infuse the butter with rich garlic flavor without scorching.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Butter

Transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet using tongs.

Gently toss the noodles, ensuring each strand gets coated with the fragrant garlic butter.

Step 5: Build Creamy Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Reserved pasta water
• Remaining butter

Stir continuously until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, glossy coating.

Add pasta water gradually to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.

Give the pasta a final toss to distribute seasonings evenly.

Plate immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Dive into your creamy, garlicky pasta masterpiece!

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Noodles

• Salt the water generously to enhance the pasta's flavor from within, ensuring each noodle is seasoned perfectly before adding sauce.
• Save 3/4 cup of starchy pasta water – this liquid gold helps create a silky, creamy texture when combining ingredients and prevents dry noodles.
• Melt butter on low heat and sauté garlic carefully to infuse flavor without burning, which can make the garlic bitter and unpleasant.
• Use kitchen tongs to coat noodles evenly with garlic butter, ensuring each strand gets maximum flavor and a glossy, appetizing appearance.
• Add Parmesan gradually and toss continuously to help it melt smoothly, creating a luxurious coating that binds with the pasta water and butter.

Save and Reheat Garlic Noodles Smoothly

• Store leftover garlic buttered noodles in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from seeping in, keeping the pasta fresh and delicious.
• Transfer cooled noodles to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Flatten for even freezing, removing as much air as possible. Pasta will stay good for 1-2 months when properly sealed.
• Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm noodles in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or olive oil. Gently stir over medium-low heat until heated through, adding extra Parmesan cheese if desired to refresh the creamy texture.

What Goes with Garlic Buttered Noodles

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Elevate your Garlic Buttered Noodles with these perfect pairings!
• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Uncork a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, buttery pasta. Its light, zesty notes will refresh your palate and balance the garlic's intensity.
• Herbaceous Side Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The peppery greens and bright citrus will provide a vibrant contrast to the creamy, garlicky noodles.
• Roasted Vegetable Companion: Prepare a medley of roasted vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini. Their caramelized edges and natural sweetness will complement the pasta's savory profile, adding depth and nutrition to your meal.
• Protein Boost Option: Add grilled chicken or seared shrimp on the side for a protein-packed enhancement. The lean proteins will absorb the garlic butter's flavors while making the dish more substantial and satisfying.

Garlic Noodle Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Noodle Swap: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free rice noodles or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same creamy garlic butter essence.
• Vegan Garlic Butter Alternative: Substitute dairy butter with plant-based butter and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free, vegan-friendly adaptation that still delivers rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Hack: Swap pasta completely with spiralized zucchini noodles, keeping the garlic butter sauce intact for a lighter, vegetable-based interpretation that cuts down on carbohydrates.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Enhance the base recipe by adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano during the garlic butter sautéing stage to introduce additional aromatic complexity to the dish.

FAQs

• Why use pasta water in this recipe?

Pasta water is starchy and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. It acts like a natural thickener and helps bind the cheese and butter together, making the dish more flavorful and silky.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While this recipe works great with classic long noodles like linguine or spaghetti, you can also use shorter pasta like penne or fusilli. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.

• How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic on low heat and stir frequently. The goal is to gently infuse the butter with garlic flavor without browning, which can make the garlic taste bitter. Watch the skillet carefully and adjust the heat if needed.

• Is this dish good for vegetarians?

Yes, this garlic buttered noodles recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat and can be easily made with vegetarian Parmesan cheese or a plant-based alternative for a completely vegetarian meal.

Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets simplicity in this classic garlic buttered noodles recipe, where silky pasta mingles with rich, aromatic butter. Pasta lovers will savor each perfectly seasoned bite, discovering pure culinary bliss that connects home cooking with heartwarming satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) dried pasta noodles
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Aim for al dente texture.
3. Before draining, carefully extract 3/4 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain pasta completely and set aside momentarily.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and gently sauté, stirring constantly to prevent browning. Maintain a delicate heat to infuse butter with garlic essence.
5. Transfer cooked pasta to the skillet using tongs. Gently toss to coat noodles evenly with garlic-infused butter.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over pasta, stirring until cheese begins to melt and create a creamy coating.
7. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water and remaining butter, continuing to toss until noodles appear glossy and luxuriously coated.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give a final gentle mix to distribute seasonings evenly.
9. Plate immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and optional chopped parsley. Serve hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use clarified butter or ghee for a nuttier flavor and higher smoke point, preventing garlic from burning quickly.
• Consider adding red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick that complements the rich, buttery garlic base.
• Make it gluten-free by swapping regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a healthier alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg