How to Make the Perfect Buttery Noodle Bowl with Parmesan
Italian-American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This simple buttery noodle bowl tossed with parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic is the ultimate kid friendly lunch for even the pickiest of eaters. Parents can have this comforting bowl of noodles on the table in just 15 minutes making it perfect for busy weekday lunches at home.
Why this recipe works
This Buttery Noodle Bowl with Parmesan recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 350 calories with 11g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Boil the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Make the Butter Sauce
While pasta cooks melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and fragrant being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Toss the Noodles
Add the drained pasta to the butter garlic sauce and toss well to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle parmesan cheese generously over the noodles. Toss once more until the cheese is melted and creamy then serve immediately in bowls.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- spaghetti → egg noodles or any short pasta like penne or bowties
- parmesan cheese → Romano cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not reserving pasta water which is needed to create a silky sauce that coats the noodles
- Burning the garlic in the butter which turns the sauce bitter and unpleasant for kids
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 350 calories, 11g protein, 52g carbs, 12g fat, 2g fiber.
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