Easy Garlic Butter Noodles
A quick and flavorful pasta dish made with garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a main meal or a versatile side dish, these garlic butter noodles come together in just 20 minutes and deliver creamy, cheesy comfort with every bite.
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 colander (for draining pasta)
- 1 large skillet or Dutch oven
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- 1 pair of kitchen tongs (for tossing pasta)
- 1 measuring cup (for pasta water)
- 1 garlic press or knife (for mincing garlic)
- 1 cheese grater (for Parmesan)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta any long or short variety
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta Water: Fill a large pot with water, leaving enough space for the pasta to move around as it cooks. Add a generous pinch of salt—this seasons the pasta from the inside and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Cook the Pasta Until Tender: Once the water is boiling, gently add the pasta of your choice. Stir immediately to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Cook according to the package directions until the pasta reaches al dente—firm to the bite but not hard. This texture is key because the pasta will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the sauce. Before draining, carefully scoop out about ¾ cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. This liquid will help create a silky, glossy sauce later. Drain the pasta using a colander, but do not rinse, as the starch helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
- Melt the Butter Base: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Keeping the heat gentle ensures the butter stays golden and smooth without burning. Swirl the pan slightly to let the butter coat the base evenly.
- Infuse the Butter with Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula, letting the garlic release its fragrance and natural oils. Be patient and keep the heat low—the goal is to soften the garlic and flavor the butter without browning or burning it. A subtle golden hue and rich aroma will tell you it’s ready.
- Toss the Pasta in the Sauce: Transfer the warm, drained pasta into the skillet. Use kitchen tongs to gently toss the noodles, ensuring each strand is coated in the garlic butter mixture. This step is where the pasta begins to absorb all that flavor.
- Add Parmesan for Creaminess: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while tossing the pasta. The residual heat from the noodles and butter will melt the cheese, creating a creamy, slightly thickened coating. Stir slowly so the cheese incorporates smoothly and doesn’t clump.
- Adjust with Pasta Water and Butter: Pour in a couple of spoonfuls of the reserved pasta water and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Continue tossing until the sauce looks glossy and evenly coats the pasta. If the noodles feel dry, add a little more pasta water—just enough to achieve a silky texture. You won’t need the entire amount of water, so add it gradually.
- Season to Perfection: Taste the pasta and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, Parmesan already adds saltiness, so season carefully. Toss again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Garnish and Serve Immediately: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates. Top with extra Parmesan cheese for added richness and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the noodles hot while they are still creamy and fragrant.
Notes
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Always reserve pasta water—it’s liquid gold for making the sauce silky.
- Low heat is essential when cooking garlic in butter to prevent bitterness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- A sprinkle of parsley adds freshness, but it’s optional.
- This dish can be enjoyed as a quick main or paired with proteins and vegetables as a side.
