Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe is a delightful dish that brings together the richness of garlic and butter with the comforting texture of pasta. This versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick side for gatherings. With just four simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Whether served as a main course or paired with your favorite protein, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy nights when you need dinner fast.
- Few Ingredients: With only four main ingredients, it’s budget-friendly and easy to make without extensive shopping.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own or as a side; it pairs well with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich sauce that’s both comforting and mouthwatering.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this simple yet delicious pasta dish.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right kitchen equipment will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or Dutch oven
- Kitchen tongs
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and ensuring it cooks to the perfect al dente texture.
- Skillet or Dutch oven: Ideal for creating the garlic butter sauce while allowing enough space to toss in the pasta easily.
- Kitchen tongs: Perfect for mixing and serving the pasta without breaking it apart.
Ingredients
For this simple yet delicious Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
Pasta
- 8 ounces dried pasta noodles (long or short pasta)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Toppings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional)
How to Make Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta noodles, cooking according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a skillet or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat.
- Add minced garlic, sautéing lightly while stirring frequently. Be cautious not to brown the garlic.
Step 3: Combine Pasta with Sauce
- Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet.
- Toss using kitchen tongs until combined with the garlic butter.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the mixture.
Step 4: Add Cooking Water and Seasoning
- Gradually add reserved pasta cooking water—start with a couple of spoonfuls at a time—along with remaining butter.
- Toss until the pasta appears glossy and well-coated; adjust water as needed.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper before serving.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate your Garlic Buttered Noodles immediately.
- Top with additional Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley. Enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garlic Buttered Noodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Pair with Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breast complements the noodles beautifully, adding protein and flavor.
- Shrimp Scampi: Tender shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter pair perfectly, creating a rich seafood dish.
- Tofu Stir-Fry: For a vegetarian option, crispy tofu stir-fried with vegetables gives an extra crunch.
Add Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the garlic butter.
- Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach adds freshness and a pop of color to your plate.
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet roasted tomatoes provide a burst of flavor that contrasts nicely with the noodles.
Garnish Creatively
- Chopped Parsley: Adding fresh parsley not only garnishes but also enhances the dish’s aroma.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for added heat.
How to Perfect Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
To make sure your Garlic Buttered Noodles turn out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh garlic and good quality butter make a significant difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta for the best texture; it should have a slight bite.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is essential for achieving a silky sauce; add it gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper based on your preference to elevate the flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Pairing side dishes with Garlic Buttered Noodles can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad with crisp romaine and creamy dressing, perfect for cutting through the richness of the noodles.
- Garlic Bread: Soft or crunchy garlic bread complements the dish and offers additional garlic flavor.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa lightens up the meal while being filling.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus drizzled with lemon adds brightness and complements the buttery noodles nicely.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the soft noodles while adding texture.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes create a fresh side that pairs well with the garlic flavors of the noodles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to follow the package instructions and test the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cook time. This helps achieve that perfect al dente texture.
- Burning the garlic: Cooking garlic too quickly can lead to a bitter flavor. Always sauté it over low heat until fragrant but not browned.
- Not reserving enough pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps create a creamy sauce. Always save more than you think you’ll need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper before serving. It enhances the dish’s overall flavor and makes your noodles taste better.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter does not blend well with hot pasta. Make sure it’s at room temperature or melted before mixing for a smooth sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Allow it to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Label with the date for reference.
Reheating Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place noodles in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: In a skillet, add a little butter or olive oil and toss on low heat until warmed, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about this delicious recipe, we have answers!
What is the best type of pasta for Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe?
You can use any pasta you prefer! Long noodles like spaghetti or short shapes like penne work wonderfully for this dish.
Can I customize my Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables, protein like chicken or shrimp, or even spices like red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
How can I make my Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe vegan?
Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option.
How long does it take to prepare Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe?
This recipe is quick! You can make it in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Whether served as a main dish or a side, its rich flavors are sure to satisfy. Customize with your favorite ingredients for an even more delightful experience!
Garlic Buttered Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Garlic Buttered Noodles, a quick and satisfying dish that elevates any meal. With just four simple ingredients—pasta, butter, garlic, and Parmesan—you can whip up this delightful recipe in only 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a side at gatherings, these buttery noodles are versatile enough to pair with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or fresh vegetables. The rich garlic and buttery sauce coats each noodle beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried pasta noodles (long or short)
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and add noodles, cooking until al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Sauté minced garlic gently until fragrant.
- Combine: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and stir in Parmesan until melted.
- Adjust consistency: Gradually add reserved pasta water along with remaining butter until the noodles are glossy. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
