This garlic butter noodles recipe combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with perfectly cooked pasta for a quick and satisfying dish. It’s an ideal side or main course that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal.
Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Noodles
Garlic butter noodles are a delightful dish that brings together the simplicity of pasta with the rich flavors of garlic and butter. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent.
The beauty of garlic butter noodles lies in their versatility. They can serve as a main course or a side dish, complementing a variety of proteins or vegetables. The fragrant aroma of garlic sizzling in butter sets the stage for a delicious dining experience that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Flavorful Noodles
To prepare these garlic butter noodles, you will need a few key ingredients. Start with your choice of pasta, such as spaghetti, which provides a lovely base for the sauce. The unsalted butter is essential for creating that rich, creamy texture, while minced garlic infuses the dish with its unmistakable flavor.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper enhances the overall taste, while grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish. Fresh parsley not only garnishes the dish but also adds a pop of color and freshness.
Cooking the Perfect Pasta
The first step in making garlic butter noodles is cooking the pasta to perfection. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures that the noodles maintain a slight bite, which is ideal for absorbing the garlic butter sauce.
Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the starchy pasta water. This water can be a game changer when it comes to achieving the desired consistency of the sauce, allowing it to cling beautifully to the noodles.
Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. As the butter begins to foam, add the minced garlic and, if desired, the red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture for a minute or two until the garlic becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
Next, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter until well coated. If the mixture appears too dry, slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Final Touches and Serving Suggestions
Season the noodles with salt and black pepper to taste. If you’re a fan of cheese, stir in some grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor. Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve the garlic butter noodles immediately, perhaps alongside a crusty piece of bread to soak up any remaining sauce. The combination of flavors and textures creates a warm and inviting meal that is sure to be a hit.
Nutritional Information
This dish serves four and is not only quick to prepare but also relatively light, with each serving containing around 320 calories. It provides a satisfying balance of carbohydrates and protein, making it a great option for a fulfilling meal without the heaviness.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, garlic butter noodles offer a delightful dining experience that is both simple and delicious. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures that this dish brings to your table.
Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Noodles
These garlic butter noodles feature al dente pasta tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, finished with fresh herbs and grated cheese. The dish serves 4 and takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your choice of pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Season: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g