Lately, I’ve been diving into flavor-packed recipes; this garlic butter pasta defines ultimate comfort. The harmony between al dente spaghetti, fragrant garlic-infused butter and melty Parmesan yields a dish that’s simple yet indulgently satisfying. It’s my perfect quick dinner for a cozy, budget friendly night and a true culinary delight.
I recently made this Garlic Butter Noodles recipe and was really surprised at how simple it was. I used 8 oz of spaghetti pasta, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 4 cloves of minced garlic to whip up a sauce that is as tasty as it is effortless.
I finished it off with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese which not only adds flavor but also some protein and calcium to the dish. It is one of those dinner ideas that fits perfectly into my busy weeknights when I need an easy garlic pasta recipe that comes together fast.
The butter and garlic sauce creates that rich, comforting flavor that reminds me of plain spaghetti recipes and plain noodle recipes. Given the nutritional benefits and budget friendly ingredients, it has become a go-to meal for satisfying hunger without compromising on taste.
I love how this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create an amazing meal.
Why I Like this Recipe
1. I really love how simple this recipe is because I don’t have to stress about complicated steps or tons of ingredients to get a yummy dinner on the table.
2. I like how the butter and garlic come together to create an amazingly savory sauce that makes even plain pasta feel extra special.
3. I love that I can whip it up in around 20 minutes, which is perfect for those nights when I’m super busy and don’t want to spend too much time cooking.
4. I also like that it uses ingredients I probably already have at home, so it’s both budget-friendly and easy to make without a lot of extra trips to the store.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti noodles form a hearty base rich in carbohydrates for energy.
- They offer a neutral taste perfect for soaking up flavorful sauces.
- Unsalted butter gives smooth richness and balances the garlic’s sharp bite.
- It contributes creamy mouthfeel while keeping the overall flavor subtle.
- Minced garlic infuses a bold, aromatic touch while boosting antioxidant benefits.
- Grated Parmesan cheese supplies savory umami, a pinch of protein, and delicate saltiness.
- Combined together they create a simple, comforting, and irresistibly garlicky dish.
Ingredient Quantities
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta (or your fave noodle)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make this
1. Boil a large pot of water and add a pinch of salt then cook the 8 oz of spaghetti pasta until al dente according to package directions.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves into the melted butter and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until they turn fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
4. Once the pasta is ready, drain it well, reserving about a 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
5. Immediately add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter.
6. Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and, if needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help mix everything nicely.
7. Toss the pasta until all the noodles are evenly coated with the garlic butter and Parmesan mixture.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed then serve hot for a delicious quick dinner.
Equipment Needed
1. Large pot for boiling water
2. Colander for draining pasta
3. Large skillet for preparing garlic butter
4. Measuring spoons and measuring cups for butter, salt, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese
5. Knife and cutting board for mincing garlic
6. Wooden spoon or spatula for tossing the pasta in the sauce
FAQ
Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of spaghetti, you might try penne, fettuccine or even rice noodles if you like a different texture
- If you cant get unsalted butter, go with salted butter or use a good extra virgin olive oil for a lighter taste
- In case you dont have fresh minced garlic, a dash of garlic powder (about 1/4 teaspoon per clove) can do the trick
- If Parmesan cheese is hard to come by, asiago or romano cheese can give you that cheesy flavor with a twist
Pro Tips
1. You might wanna toast the garlic in the butter until it’s just turning golden, coz that not only boosts the flavor but adds a fun crunchy twist if you let it crisp up a bit
2. Always save some of the pasta water after draining, its super useful for melting the cheese and making the sauce kinda creamy, which is a game changer
3. Try using freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-grated stuff, it generally tastes better and mixes in nicer with the butter
4. If you’re feeling experimental, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a light squeeze of lemon juice at the end to give it a bit of a kick, it can really liven up the whole dish
Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe
My favorite Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot for boiling water
2. Colander for draining pasta
3. Large skillet for preparing garlic butter
4. Measuring spoons and measuring cups for butter, salt, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese
5. Knife and cutting board for mincing garlic
6. Wooden spoon or spatula for tossing the pasta in the sauce
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta (or your fave noodle)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Boil a large pot of water and add a pinch of salt then cook the 8 oz of spaghetti pasta until al dente according to package directions.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves into the melted butter and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until they turn fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
4. Once the pasta is ready, drain it well, reserving about a 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
5. Immediately add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter.
6. Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and, if needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help mix everything nicely.
7. Toss the pasta until all the noodles are evenly coated with the garlic butter and Parmesan mixture.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed then serve hot for a delicious quick dinner.