Experience the inviting aroma of garlic butter pasta. Al dente spaghetti is coated in a rich butter sauce infused with garlic and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This comforting dish perfectly balances buttery and garlicky flavors, transforming a simple meal into a gourmet delight perfect for an effortless dinner.

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I love how simple this Garlic Butter Noodles recipe is. I usually start with 8 oz of my favorite spaghetti, tossing it in a pan with 4 tablespoons unsalted butter till it melts.

Then I add 4 cloves of minced garlic. The garlic really gives a kick without overpowering the dish.

After it’s all warmed together, I toss in 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is not only delicious, but it also provides a good mix of energy from the pasta’s carbohydrates and a bit of protein from the cheese.

The rich butter and garlic sauce is classic—think Easy Garlic Pasta Recipes and even Butter And Garlic Pasta ideas. What’s cool about this plain noodle recipe is that it’s satisfying, easy to make, and a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.

I appreciate how minimal ingredients come together to create a tasty, budget friendly meal that feels like a treat every time.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super easy to make even when I’m in a hurry. I can whip it up in about 20 minutes with only a few basic ingredients, so it really fits my busy weeknight schedule. I really dig that the garlic and butter blend into a rich, soothing sauce that makes the pasta taste amazing, even though it’s so simple. Plus, I like that I can easily adjust it for more garlic or extra cheese if I’m feelin adventurous. Lastly, it’s a budgetfriendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it a satisfying treat without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

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Spaghetti: Provides energy packed carbohydrates and a light canvas for garlic butter flavor.
Pasta is hearty, satisfying and offers a subtle nutty taste when cooked al dente.
Unsalted Butter: Lends a creamy richness with no extra salt to overpower delicate notes.
Butter creates a smooth sauce that blends the garlic and cheese really well.
Garlic: Offers a bold, spicy zing while adding antioxidants, vitamins and a punch of flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides protein, calcium and a salty, umami finish that elevates every bite.
Together, these ingredients cook up a simple yet delicious meal that comforts and satisfies.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re into that extra garlic kick)

1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make this

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1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and save a cup of pasta water for later.

2. In a big skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for about 1-2 minutes until it smells really good, but dont let it burn.

4. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter and mix it well.

5. If the noodles seem a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce.

6. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it nearly melts into the pasta.

7. Season with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground pepper to taste.

8. Keep tossing everything together for another minute so the flavors get even better.

9. Give it a taste and adjust any seasonings if needed.

10. Scoop the noodles into a bowl or plate and enjoy your delicious garlic butter noodles!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot for boiling the pasta in salted water
2. Colander to drain the pasta and save a cup of pasta water
3. Measuring cup for the reserved pasta water
4. Big skillet for melting butter and cooking garlic
5. Wooden spoon or spatula for tossing and mixing the pasta
6. Cheese grater for freshly grating Parmesan
7. Knife for mincing garlic
8. Bowl or plate for serving the finished dish

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to make garlic butter noodles?

A: It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish, so its pretty quick to whip up on busy nights.

Q: Can I use any kind of pasta besides spaghetti?

A: Yup, you can use whatever pasta you have on hand. Fettuccine or linguine work really well too.

Q: What if I want a stronger garlic flavor?

A: Simple, just add an extra clove or two of garlic if you really love that garlicky kick.

Q: Do I have to use unsalted butter?

A: Not necessarily, but unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better and helps the garlic flavor shine through.

Q: Can I add other seasonings to boost the flavor?

A: Totally, feel free to toss in some cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a bit of fresh herbs like parsley for an extra pop.

Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have spaghetti, try using linguine, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta instead
Don’t worry about unsalted butter – you can use regular salted butter or a bit of olive oil if you prefer
If you run out of fresh garlic, garlic powder or even roasted garlic can work to give you that lovely garlicky taste
In place of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, asiago or pecorino romano can be a good substitute

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you keep an eye on the garlic when its cooking cuz if it burns the flavor gets bitter real fast and ruins the whole dish.
2. Always save some of that pasta water—it’s magic for loosening up the sauce so don’t skip it even if you think your noodles are great.
3. Season gradually and taste as you go, ’cause sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can really make the meal pop.
4. If you want that buttery garlic flavor to stick to your pasta, toss the noodles in the pan right off the boil so they’re still a little wet when they hit the garlic butter.