Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe is a delightful dish that perfectly balances simplicity and flavor. This quick and easy recipe combines just a few ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The warm noodles are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese, and can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe will surely satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute dinners.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just four core ingredients, it’s easy to whip up without a big grocery run.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it as a side with grilled meats or vegetables.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible sauce that elevates simple pasta.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy taste of these garlic buttered noodles.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for your Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or Dutch oven
- Kitchen tongs
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Crucial for boiling pasta efficiently while allowing ample space for movement.
- Skillet or Dutch oven: Ideal for sautéing garlic and mixing the pasta with the sauce evenly.
- Kitchen tongs: Perfect for tossing the noodles with the sauce without breaking them.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces dried pasta noodles (long or short pasta)
Sauce Components
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley
How to Make Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water.
- Cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a skillet or Dutch oven large enough to hold the pasta, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté lightly, stirring frequently. Ensure you don’t brown the garlic; keep it on low heat.
Step 3: Toss Pasta with Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet.
- Toss using kitchen tongs until well combined.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the noodles.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water, one spoonful at a time, along with the remaining tablespoon of butter until glossy.
Step 4: Season and Serve
- Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Give everything a quick toss before serving immediately.
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese and sprinkle chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Garlic Buttered Noodles as an easy yet flavorful meal!
How to Serve Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garlic buttered noodles are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in several ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, these noodles can be paired with various ingredients for a delightful meal.
As a Main Dish
- Topped with Grilled Chicken: Add slices of grilled chicken breast for a protein boost that complements the creamy garlic sauce.
- With Sautéed Vegetables: Toss in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
- Accompanied by Shrimp: Quickly sauté shrimp in garlic and butter, then mix them into the noodles for a flavorful seafood option.
As a Side Dish
- Next to Steak: Serve a generous portion of garlic buttered noodles alongside your favorite steak for an indulgent dinner.
- With Roasted Salmon: The rich flavor of roasted salmon pairs perfectly with the simplicity of garlic buttered noodles.
- Alongside Meatballs: Combine with savory meatballs for a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.
As an Appetizer
- In Small Portions: Serve smaller servings as an appetizer at your next gathering, garnished with parsley for an elegant touch.
- With Breadsticks: Pair with garlic breadsticks for a delicious start to any Italian-themed meal.
How to Perfect Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
To achieve the best garlic buttered noodles, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor than pre-minced options.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente; this ensures it stays firm and doesn’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce.
- Adjust Butter Amount: Feel free to adjust the amount of butter based on your preference for richness; less butter creates a lighter dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water; it helps create a smooth and glossy sauce when mixed in with the noodles.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garlic buttered noodles are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options:
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the noodles.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers vibrant color and nutrients, enhancing your meal’s healthiness.
- Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread complements the flavors beautifully and is perfect for soaking up leftover sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus adds elegance and pairs perfectly with the buttery texture of the noodles.
- Caprese Salad: A fresh Caprese salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil brings brightness to your plate.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a summer favorite that adds sweetness and fun texture to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Buttered Noodles, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Using cold pasta: Cold pasta won’t absorb the garlic butter sauce well. Always ensure your pasta is warm before tossing it with the sauce.
- Overcooking the garlic: Browning the garlic can lead to a bitter taste. Cook it over low heat until fragrant but not browned for the best flavor.
- Not reserving pasta water: Pasta water adds creaminess to your dish. Remember to save some before draining, as it helps bind the sauce and noodles.
- Skipping seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper elevates flavors. Don’t forget to season generously while cooking for a delicious outcome.
- Rushing the mixing: Quickly tossing ingredients can lead to uneven coating. Take your time to ensure each noodle is coated in that luscious garlic butter.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Portion out servings for easier reheating later.
Reheating Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread noodles on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the noodles as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe:
How do I make Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe vegetarian?
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using plant-based butter and ensuring your Parmesan cheese is rennet-free.
Can I use other types of pasta for this Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! Any long or short pasta will work well. Try using spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne for variety.
What can I add to my Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. You can also mix in cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Can I prepare Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and combine it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Buttered Noodles are not only quick and simple but also incredibly satisfying. This versatile dish allows for customization with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether served as a main course or side dish, it’s bound to please everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Garlic Buttered Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Buttered Noodles are a quick and delicious dish that brings comfort to your table in just 20 minutes. This simple yet flavorful recipe requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner. The warm pasta is generously coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, creating a satisfying meal. Whether served as a main course or side dish alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, these garlic buttered noodles are sure to please everyone. Get ready to enjoy this delightful combination of flavors that’s both easy to prepare and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried pasta (any type)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter, mixing well.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
