If you’re craving something simple yet packed with flavor, this Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe might just become your new go-to comfort dish. Combining tender egg noodles with the rich, savory goodness of melted butter infused with garlic, topped off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and parmesan cheese creates an irresistible plate that’s both cozy and elegant. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends and family, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a side that steals the spotlight at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things straightforward but are absolutely essential for delivering the depth of flavor and satisfying texture that makes the Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe so delightful. Each component plays a special role—from the buttery richness to the bright freshness of parsley.
- 8 ounces uncooked egg noodles: These provide the perfect tender bite and soak up all that buttery, garlicky goodness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick): It’s the star that brings velvety richness and helps infuse the noodles with flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds a fragrant aroma and that classic punch you crave in every bite.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Introducing a nutty, salty element that melts into the noodles for irresistible creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to brighten the dish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning, these bring out all the layers of flavor to perfection.
How to Make Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is crucial because salting your pasta water seasons the noodles from within. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions, usually around 7 to 9 minutes, until they’re perfectly tender but still have a little bite. Drain the noodles when they’re nearly done, reserving some pasta water to add back later—it’s a little secret that helps the sauce cling beautifully.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic
While the noodles are finishing, melt the butter gently over medium heat in a skillet. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. The goal here is to release that irresistible garlic aroma without letting it brown too much or burn, which can make the flavor bitter. Keep the garlic soft and fragrant—this step is what infuses the butter with all that wonderful flavor.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour in about 2 tablespoons of the hot pasta water you reserved earlier into the skillet—this helps to loosen the butter and garlic, creating a silky sauce. Drain the noodles completely and transfer them to the skillet. Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the noodles. Toss everything together vigorously until the cheese melts, coating each strand with glorious, buttery goodness. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed to elevate all the flavors.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can take your Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe to the next level. Think of a generous sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or extra parsley also add freshness and brighten the dish’s appearance. A zest of lemon peel can even bring a lovely, subtle zing to balance the butter’s richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to introduce some crunch and freshness. For a heartier meal, consider joining the noodles with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp, which complement the buttery, garlicky sauce wonderfully. A crusty loaf of bread nearby is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or just enjoy your noodles in style? Serve the Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl or a bright, contrasting colored plate to make those golden noodles pop visually. Twirl portions on a fork and place a parmesan curl and herb leaf garnish on top for an elegant finish. Alternatively, layer the noodles in a glass trifle dish with alternating layers of parmesan and herbs for a unique buffet presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries—these noodles store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors might meld even more as they sit! When storing, try to incorporate any remaining sauce evenly to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Freezing
Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the texture of cooked noodles tends to change after thawing. If you must freeze, store in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. For best results, reheat gently and add a splash of butter or olive oil to revive the sauce’s richness.
Reheating
To bring your Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe back to life, warm them up gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a sprinkle of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave on medium power, covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating, which can dry out those tender noodles.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles offer a tender, slightly chewy bite perfect for this recipe, feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley on hand?
Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can substitute dried parsley or even fresh basil or chives. If using dried herbs, add them sparingly since they’re more concentrated in flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
How do I prevent garlic from burning during cooking?
Cook garlic slowly over medium or medium-low heat and stir constantly. Remove it from heat as soon as it turns fragrant and pale golden to avoid bitterness from burning.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water for this recipe?
Reserving pasta water is a great tip because the starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles. It’s not mandatory, but definitely enhances the texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something beautifully simple and satisfying about the Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite in any kitchen. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned foodie, this dish offers a perfect blend of comforting flavors with minimal fuss. Give it a try tonight, and I promise it’ll become one of those beloved recipes you reach for again and again.
Print
Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Butter Noodles is a simple and flavorful pasta dish made with tender egg noodles tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. This quick and comforting recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked egg noodles
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until just tender.
- Melt the butter: About 5 minutes before the noodles are done, melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet to prepare the garlic butter base.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly, ensuring the garlic becomes fragrant without browning or burning.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Reserve about 2 tablespoons of hot pasta water before draining the noodles. Add the noodles to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Toss thoroughly until the cheese melts and the noodles are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook or burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- You can substitute egg noodles for any pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
- Adding reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese at serving.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
