Garlic Buttered Noodles are a delicious and simple dish that can elevate your dinner to a satisfying level of comfort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering with friends. The blend of garlic and butter provides an irresistible aroma, while the Parmesan cheese adds a creamy richness to each bite. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you’ll find this dish both easy to prepare and utterly delicious. In this article, we’ll explore the many reasons why you’ll fall in love with Garlic Buttered Noodles, along with the ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions, and tips to make this meal the best it can be.
Why We Love This Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
The beauty of Garlic Buttered Noodles lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that feels gourmet. The combination of butter and garlic is timeless, bringing a familiar comfort that many of us associate with home-cooked meals. Additionally, this recipe is versatile; you can easily adjust the flavors and add your favorite ingredients to personalize the dish. It is quick to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when time is of the essence but a hearty meal is a must.
Ingredients about Garlic Buttered Noodles
To whip up a batch of Garlic Buttered Noodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces dried pasta noodles (you can use long or short pasta)
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the dish’s flavors, making it a cohesive and delightful experience for your taste buds.
How to Make Garlic Buttered Noodles Directions
Making Garlic Buttered Noodles is straightforward! Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish step by step:
- Cook the Pasta: Start off by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Al dente means the pasta should be firm when bitten but cooked through. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you are using. Make sure to reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, grab a skillet and melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. It’s essential to keep the heat low to avoid burning the garlic. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic gently, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to develop without creating a bitter taste from burnt garlic.
- Combine Pasta and Garlic Butter: After draining the pasta, add it directly into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the garlic butter. The heat should still be low at this point.
- Add Cheese and Pasta Water: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss everything together until the cheese has melted and is well incorporated. You’ll want to create a creamy sauce that clings to the noodles. If it seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water by the tablespoon until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy water will help achieve a beautiful gloss on the pasta.
- Season and Serve: Finally, season your dish with salt and ground black pepper to taste, stirring it in to ensure even distribution. Once everything is combined, your Garlic Buttered Noodles are ready to be served! For an added touch, serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like.
How to Serve Garlic Buttered Noodles
Garlic Buttered Noodles can be a stand-alone dish or serve as an excellent side to your favorite protein. Plating this dish is equally crucial; make sure to present it nicely. You can serve it in a large bowl or individual plates. Top each serving with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh and appealing look.
If you’re looking to make it even more filling, consider adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers. These not only add color but also enhance the nutritional value of your meal. You could also pair your Garlic Buttered Noodles with a simple garden salad or a light chicken dish for a complete meal experience.
Expert Tips: Garlic Buttered Noodles
- Choosing the Right Pasta: While you can use any type of pasta for this recipe, long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine work wonderfully. Short pasta such as penne or bow ties can also absorb the garlic butter sauce well.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be careful not to overcook your pasta. It is best to check it a minute or two before the package recommendations to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese can significantly improve the flavor of your Garlic Buttered Noodles. Avoid pre-grated cheese if possible; it often contains anti-caking agents that affect meltability.
- Add More Flavor: Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, or include additional herbs such as basil or oregano for an aromatic twist.
- Make it Ahead of Time: If you plan on making Garlic Buttered Noodles for a gathering, you can prepare the pasta and garlic butter ahead of time. Combine them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How to Store Garlic Buttered Noodles
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but can happen!), storing Garlic Buttered Noodles is easy. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before placing it in a sealed container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or a bit more butter to help revive the creamy sauce, making it as good as new!
Variation of Garlic Buttered Noodles
Garlic Buttered Noodles offer a flexible base for various variations. Here are a few ideas to customize your dish:
- Add Protein: You can easily add shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it more substantial.
- Mix in Vegetables: As mentioned earlier, sautéed spinach, zucchini, or broccoli can enhance the nutritional content and add vivid colors to your plate.
- Creamy Variation: For a creamier texture, you might incorporate a splash of heavy cream along with the Parmesan cheese. This can create a richer sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Herb Infusion: Try mixing fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or even dill to introduce new flavors that complement the garlic and butter.
FAQ
What are Garlic Buttered Noodles?
Garlic Buttered Noodles are a simple and delicious pasta dish made with garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese, creating a flavorful meal that’s quick to make and satisfying to eat.
How do I make Garlic Buttered Noodles?
To make Garlic Buttered Noodles, cook your pasta, sauté garlic in melted butter, toss the cooked pasta with the garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, and season as desired. It’s a straightforward process that can be prepared in about 20 minutes.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, you can store Garlic Buttered Noodles in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in a skillet before serving.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! You can customize your Garlic Buttered Noodles by adding vegetables, proteins, or different herbs to enhance the flavor according to your taste preferences.
Garlic Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried pasta noodles Use long or short pasta as desired.
- 4 tablespoons butter Divided into 3 tablespoons for sautéing and 1 tablespoon for serving.
- 2 cloves garlic Minced.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for serving.
- Salt To taste.
- Ground black pepper To taste.
- Chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Sauté the Garlic
- In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté gently, stirring frequently, until fragrant and light golden.
Combine Pasta and Garlic Butter
- Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sautéed garlic and toss to coat with the garlic butter over low heat.
Add Cheese and Pasta Water
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to combine until the cheese has melted. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired consistency.
Season and Serve
- Season the dish with salt and ground black pepper to taste, ensuring an even distribution before serving. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley if desired.
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