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Garlic Buttered Noodles 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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