How to Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Noodles
American · Easy · 15 min · 2 servings
These garlic butter noodles come together in just 15 minutes with pantry staples you already have on hand. A quick and indulgent weeknight dinner that feels fancy without any effort.
Why this recipe works
This Garlic Butter Noodles 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 420 calories with 11g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 oz spaghetti or egg noodles
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 0.5 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Saute the Garlic
While pasta cooks melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden but not burned.
Step 3: Toss and Emulsify
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss well with the garlic butter. Splash in a few tablespoons of pasta water to create a silky sauce that coats every noodle evenly.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and top with grated parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- unsalted butter → vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version
- parmesan cheese → nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Burning the garlic by using heat that is too high which turns it bitter
- Skipping the pasta water which is essential for building a creamy emulsified sauce
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 11g protein, 58g carbs, 17g fat, 2g fiber.
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