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Easy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

Description: These Garlic Butter Noodles are the ultimate comfort food! Perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich and savory garlic butter sauce, enhanced with fresh herbs and a hint of Parmesan. It’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious — an ideal side dish or even a light main course for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (about 225g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or any type you prefer)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    • Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
    • Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set aside.
  • Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
    • In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce:
    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
    • Pour in the chicken broth and a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water, stirring until everything is well combined and the sauce has slightly thickened.
  • Finish the Dish:
    • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, mixing until the cheese is melted and everything is well-coated.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve:
    • Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • Pasta Options: Feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand, like penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
  • Cheese: If you want a stronger flavor, you can use Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan.
  • Herbs: For more freshness, you can add fresh basil, thyme, or oregano to the dish.
  • For Extra Richness: Adding a tablespoon of heavy cream will make the sauce even richer and creamier.

Keywords: Garlic butter noodles, garlic pasta, buttery pasta, quick pasta recipe, garlic butter sauce, easy garlic noodles, Parmesan noodles, comfort food pasta, side dish, Italian noodles.