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