Introduction

Garlic Buttered Noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick meal or a comforting side. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich, garlicky sauce that coats every noodle beautifully.

A white bowl filled with a neat mound of plain spaghetti noodles tossed lightly in oil or butter, giving them a soft, slightly shiny yellow color. The noodles are thin and smooth, arranged in loose coils creating depth and texture. Small bits of chopped green parsley and black pepper are sprinkled evenly over the top, adding subtle green and black specks. A fork with a shiny silver handle rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially visible. The background shows a blurred white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces dried pasta noodles (long or short pasta)
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Return the cooked noodles to the pot with the garlic butter. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, grated Parmesan, and a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and the cheese has melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and sauté gently to avoid bitterness.
Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Mix in cooked vegetables or grilled chicken to make it a heartier meal.

Storage

Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A white plate with a small pile of spaghetti noodles in the center, each strand pale yellow and slightly glossy, showing light oil or butter coating. The noodles are twirled loosely, with some overlapping and curling at the edges. Small green bits of parsley are scattered evenly on top, mixed in with tiny white shavings of cheese and small black pepper specks. A silver fork rests inside the plate on the right side next to the pasta. The background and surface are a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Both long noodles like spaghetti and short shapes like penne work well with garlic butter sauce.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic on medium to low heat and watch it closely. Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as it’s fragrant and lightly golden to avoid bitterness.

Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

This Garlic Buttered Noodles recipe is a simple yet indulgent pasta dish featuring tender noodles tossed in rich garlic-infused butter and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting side, it combines easy-to-find ingredients for a delicious, flavorful meal in under 20 minutes.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Butter Sauce

8 ounces dried pasta noodles (long or short pasta)
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced

Cheese and Seasoning

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
Make garlic butter sauce: In the same pot or a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Combine pasta with sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot with the garlic butter. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly.
Add cheese and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Serve: Transfer the noodles to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use any pasta shape you prefer; long noodles like spaghetti or short ones like penne both work well.
To intensify garlic flavor, you can lightly brown the garlic but avoid burning it as it will turn bitter.
Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce adhere better to the noodles and keep them moist.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of cream or substituting part of the butter with olive oil.
Parsley is optional but adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color to the dish.

Keywords: garlic buttered noodles, quick pasta recipe, easy garlic noodles, Parmesan pasta, simple stovetop pasta