Description
Garlic Butter Noodles is a simple and delicious pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti with a rich and fragrant garlic butter sauce, enhanced with a hint of red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, this comforting recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a tasty side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 5 Tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Follow package instructions to cook the spaghetti until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the noodles.
- Heat butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquified and warm.
- Cook garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add seasonings: Lower the heat and stir in the crushed red pepper flakes if using, along with salt and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly in the butter.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Transfer the drained spaghetti back into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic butter mixture. Add 1-2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen and smooth out the sauce.
- Finish with cheese: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the grated parmesan over the pasta. Toss again until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce combined with the butter.
- Add parsley: Fold in the chopped parsley gently, distributing it evenly throughout the noodles for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter noodles immediately. Optionally top with extra parsley or parmesan for garnish. Enjoy your comforting, flavorful dish!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to help smooth and loosen the sauce.
- Do not brown the garlic to avoid a bitter taste; cook until fragrant only.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately as the sauce is best fresh and creamy.
