The Best Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe You’ll Crave Tonight

Whipping up these irresistible garlic butter noodles transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Comfort meets simplicity in this delightful dish that comes together faster than you can say “delicious.” butter melts luxuriously, coating each strand with rich, aromatic flavor that makes taste buds dance.

Pantry staples become magic when combined with just a few strategic ingredients.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, proving that spectacular meals don’t require complicated techniques.

Fragrant garlic infuses every bite with warm, inviting notes that promise pure enjoyment.

You’ll want to grab a fork and savor every single twirl of these incredible noodles.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or any long pasta that works well with garlic butter sauce.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! This garlic butter noodles recipe is completely vegetarian and can be made with standard ingredients found in most kitchens.

• How can I make the dish more flavorful?

Add red pepper flakes for heat, extra Parmesan cheese for richness, or sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or chives to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can substitute with dried oregano, basil, or simply use a blend of dried herbs you have on hand to add extra flavor to the noodles.

Quick Garlic Butter Noodles Everyone Loves

• Simplify Cooking: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Garlic butter noodles serve as a fantastic base dish that can be easily customized with additional proteins like chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Preparation takes just a few minutes, allowing you to have a satisfying meal on the table faster than ordering takeout, with maximum flavor and minimal cleanup required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Kids and adults alike will love the rich, buttery garlic flavor, making this a go-to recipe for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something simple yet delicious.

Ingredients For Garlic Butter Noodles

• Pasta: Classic noodle base for creating a delicious and comforting dish.
• Butter: Provides rich and creamy flavor to the noodles.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic and savory notes to the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Helps create a smooth and flavorful coating for the pasta.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Enhances the overall taste and brings depth to the simple dish.

• Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Adds freshness and extra flavor to the finished noodles.

How To Make Garlic Butter Noodles

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil and drop in your favorite pasta.

Cook according to the package directions until the noodles are tender yet firm (al dente). Before draining, carefully scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water and set aside.

Drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Grab a spacious skillet and place it over medium heat.

• Olive oil
• Butter

Let the butter melt completely and blend with the oil, creating a golden, fragrant base.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Toss in finely chopped garlic and gently stir.

Watch the garlic transform and release its aromatic magic, being careful not to let it turn brown or burn. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Season

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Toss everything together so each noodle gets coated with the delicious garlic butter mixture.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

If the noodles look a bit dry, splash in some of the reserved pasta water. This helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the steaming noodles to serving plates. For an extra touch of elegance, scatter some fresh chopped parsley on top.

If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Tips For Flavorful Garlic Butter Noodles

• Choose fresh, high-quality garlic for the most intense flavor and aroma in your noodles.
• Reserve pasta water before draining to create a silky, glossy sauce that helps coat the noodles perfectly.
• Sauté garlic carefully over medium heat to prevent burning, which can make the dish bitter and unpleasant.
• Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to customize the flavor profile of your garlic butter noodles.
• Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this simple side dish into a complete and satisfying meal.

Alternative Takes On Garlic Butter Noodles

• Vegan Herb Noodles: Replace butter with coconut oil, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and add fresh basil or chives for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, keeping the garlic butter sauce for a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Garlic Noodle Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the garlic butter for a fiery version that brings heat to the classic recipe.
• Asian-Inspired Sesame Noodles: Incorporate soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions to transform the traditional garlic butter noodles into an Asian-style dish.

Pairings For Garlic Butter Noodles

• Comfort Classics Twist: Pair these garlicky noodles with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal that transforms the simple pasta into a hearty dinner.
• Weeknight Dinner Hero: Serve alongside a crisp green salad and garlic bread to create a complete meal that feels restaurant-worthy but takes minimal effort to prepare.
• Quick Lunch Upgrade: Pack these noodles in a thermal container for a delicious work or school lunch that stays warm and flavorful, perfect for midday energy boost.
• Party Appetizer Hack: Serve in small portions as a crowd-pleasing side dish at potlucks or gatherings, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for elegant presentation.

Storing Garlic Butter Noodles The Right Way

• Store leftover garlic butter noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the pasta completely before transferring to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Separate any additional toppings like parsley or cheese before storing to maintain their freshness.

Delicious Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky garlic butter noodles bring simple Italian-inspired comfort to weeknight dining. Minimal ingredients and swift preparation create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or noodles of choice

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Fats and Flavoring:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil at high heat and cook pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain pasta, preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment.
3. Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter with olive oil until completely combined and shimmering.
4. Introduce finely chopped garlic to the butter mixture, stirring continuously for 45-60 seconds until aromatic and just turning golden.
5. Gently transfer drained pasta into the skillet, coating each strand with the fragrant garlic butter.
6. Season the noodles with salt, ground black pepper, and Italian herbs, tossing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
7. If the pasta appears dry or sticky, gradually add reserved pasta water, stirring until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency.
8. Transfer noodles to serving plates immediately while piping hot.
9. Optional: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prevent garlic burning by keeping heat medium-low and stirring constantly during sautéing.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon for creating silky, perfectly coated noodles with ideal sauce consistency.
• Transform this recipe into a protein-packed meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra nutrition and flavor variety.
• Enhance dietary flexibility by using gluten-free pasta or whole wheat noodles to accommodate different nutritional preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg