Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your table in just 20 minutes. With only four simple ingredients, this recipe shines as a quick dinner option or an elegant side dish for any occasion. The warm pasta enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful experience that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Few Ingredients: With just four main ingredients, it’s simple to whip up without a lengthy shopping list.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a savory sauce that elevates plain noodles into a gourmet dish.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side with grilled meats or fresh vegetables; it complements any meal beautifully.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own, ensuring it caters to all tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin cooking, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having the right equipment will make preparing Garlic Buttered Noodles easy and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or Dutch oven
- Kitchen tongs
- Grater (for cheese)
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta evenly and large enough to hold plenty of water, ensuring the noodles cook properly.
- Skillet or Dutch oven: Ideal for making the garlic butter sauce, allowing you to toss the pasta seamlessly.
- Kitchen tongs: Great for mixing the pasta with the sauce without breaking the noodles.
- Grater: Ensures you get freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 8 ounces dried pasta noodles (long or short pasta)
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Toppings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional)
How to Make Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
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. Stir frequently to prevent browning; you want the butter flavored without burning the garlic.
Step 3: Combine Pasta with Sauce
- Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce using kitchen tongs.
- Toss gently while adding in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the pasta.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water (a couple of spoonfuls at a time) along with the remaining tablespoon of butter until your noodles are glossy and well-coated.
Step 4: Season and Serve
- Season with salt and ground black pepper; give it another quick toss.
- Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy this flavorful Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe as an easy dinner option that pleases everyone at your table!
How to Serve Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garlic Buttered Noodles are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether as a main dish or a side, these noodles pair well with different flavors and textures. Here are some delicious serving suggestions.
Pairing with Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds a hearty protein boost to your meal.
- Shrimp Scampi: Lightly sautéed shrimp in garlic complements the noodles beautifully.
- Pan-Seared Salmon: The richness of salmon pairs perfectly with the garlic butter sauce.
Adding Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition to your plate.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick-cooked spinach enhances the dish’s flavor while keeping it light.
- Roasted Asparagus: The nutty taste of roasted asparagus works well with buttery noodles.
Garnishing Options
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a nice crunch and color.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some flakes for spice.
How to Perfect Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
To make your Garlic Buttered Noodles even better, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides more flavor than pre-minced options.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure the pasta is al dente for the best texture; it should have a slight bite.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Adjust Seasoning Carefully: Taste as you go, adding salt and pepper gradually for balanced flavor.
- Add Cheese Gradually: Stir in Parmesan slowly to achieve optimal creaminess without clumps.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish’s freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garlic Buttered Noodles can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some great options that enhance this meal.
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons adds freshness.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread spread with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide delicious earthy flavors.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light and refreshing contrast.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a nice crunch and balances the richness of the noodles.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter is an excellent summer side that pairs wonderfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Not Salting the Water: Failing to salt the pasta water means missing out on flavor. Always add enough salt to the boiling water before cooking your noodles.
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Overcooking the Garlic: Cooking garlic too long can lead to a bitter taste. Sauté it gently over low heat just until fragrant for a mild, buttery flavor.
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Forgetting to Reserve Pasta Water: Not saving some pasta cooking water can make it hard to achieve that glossy finish. Always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
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Skipping the Tossing Step: Just adding butter and cheese without tossing will result in uneven coating. Use tongs to toss the pasta well for even distribution of flavors.
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Serving Cold: Serving Garlic Buttered Noodles cold diminishes their appeal. Serve them warm for the best taste and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Garlic Buttered Noodles in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
- To freeze, place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat noodles in a covered dish for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth and reheat on low, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe:
How can I customize my Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe?
You can add vegetables like spinach or tomatoes for added nutrition. Shrimp or chicken also makes this dish heartier.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any long or short pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti or penne, depending on your preference.
What is the best cheese for this recipe?
While Parmesan is traditional, you could also try Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of mozzarella for a gooey finish.
Is this Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe vegan-friendly?
To make it vegan, use plant-based butter and skip the cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice or lentils to enjoy this delicious dish without gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Buttered Noodles Recipe is not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether served as a main dish or side, it promises satisfaction every time. Give it a try and discover its comforting deliciousness!
Garlic Buttered Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Buttered Noodles are a quick and delicious comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or as a delightful side dish. In just 20 minutes, you can create this savory dish that features tender pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, finished off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. With only four main ingredients, it’s easy to whip up while being versatile enough to pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, these Garlic Buttered Noodles are sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried pasta noodles (long or short)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant.
- Combine: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss with remaining butter and Parmesan cheese until well-coated. Gradually add reserved pasta water for desired creaminess.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper, then serve topped with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
