Craving a simple yet flavorful pasta dish? Look no further than my Garlic Butter Noodles recipe! This easy-to-make dish is a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in no time. With just a handful of ingredients, including garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese, these noodles offer a rich and savory taste that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or a side dish, these Garlic Butter Noodles are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Required Kitchen Tools
To make these delicious Garlic Butter Noodles, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools. Here’s what I recommend having on hand:
- Large Pot: To cook the egg noodles perfectly, a large pot is essential for boiling water and ensuring the noodles have enough space to cook evenly.
- Colander: A colander is useful for draining the cooked noodles quickly and efficiently.
- Large Skillet: A large skillet allows you to melt the butter and cook the garlic, creating a flavorful base for the noodles.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and tossing the noodles in the garlic butter sauce, a wooden spoon or spatula works best to coat everything evenly.
- Grater: Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a burst of flavor, so a grater is necessary to prepare the cheese.
Having these tools ready will make the process of preparing Garlic Butter Noodles smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on creating a delicious meal.
Cooking the Noodles
Boil the Noodles
The first step to making Garlic Butter Noodles is to cook the egg noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the noodles. Then, add the egg noodles to the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions, typically around 6-8 minutes, until they are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Drain the Noodles
Once the noodles are cooked to your desired tenderness, use a colander to drain them. Shake the colander gently to remove any excess water. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
Melt the Butter
Now it’s time to prepare the rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/4 cup of butter (half a stick). Allow the butter to melt completely, but be careful not to let it brown, as we want a smooth and creamy base for the sauce.
Cook the Garlic
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. The goal is to cook the garlic until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its aromatic flavor into the butter. Make sure not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter and affect the taste of the sauce.
Combine Noodles with the Sauce
With the garlic cooked to perfection, it’s time to combine everything. Add the drained egg noodles directly into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to toss the noodles, making sure each strand is evenly coated with the buttery, garlicky goodness. The noodles should start absorbing the flavors, creating a delicious base for the dish.
Adding the Parmesan and Seasoning
Add the Parmesan Cheese
Now that the noodles are coated in the garlic butter sauce, it’s time to take the flavor up a notch with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese over the noodles in the skillet. Use your wooden spoon or spatula to gently toss the noodles again, ensuring the cheese melts and evenly coats the noodles. The parmesan will add a creamy texture and a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter.
Season to Taste
After incorporating the cheese, it’s time to season the dish. Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each, then taste and adjust as needed. Keep in mind that parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so be cautious with the amount of additional salt. A little black pepper adds a nice kick that complements the garlic and cheese. Continue tossing the noodles until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Garnish with Fresh Parsley
To finish off the dish, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley over the noodles. The parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the garlic butter and parmesan. Gently mix the parsley into the noodles, making sure it’s well incorporated.
Serving and Enjoying Garlic Butter Noodles
Plate the Noodles
Your Garlic Butter Noodles are now ready to be served! Use tongs or a large serving fork to portion the noodles onto individual plates. The golden garlic butter sauce, melted parmesan, and flecks of fresh parsley make this dish visually appealing and mouthwateringly delicious. If you’re serving these noodles as a side dish, they pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a fresh green salad.
Optional Toppings
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a few optional toppings. A light sprinkle of extra grated parmesan cheese on top enhances the dish’s savory taste. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for a spicy kick. For an added crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts make a great addition. Feel free to get creative with your toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy Immediately
Garlic Butter Noodles are best enjoyed fresh and hot. The aroma of garlic and butter combined with the creamy parmesan will tempt everyone to dig in right away. Serve the noodles straight from the skillet for the best texture and flavor. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even a quick lunch that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small splash of water or a bit more butter to bring back the creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it can make the noodles dry and less flavorful.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Noodles are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. With just a few ingredients—egg noodles, butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley—you can create a comforting and delicious meal in minutes. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, these noodles bring a rich, savory taste that pairs well with almost anything.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ease. You can customize it with additional toppings like red pepper flakes, extra cheese, or toasted breadcrumbs to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a perfect go-to dish for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction that Garlic Butter Noodles bring, and don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. With its comforting flavors and quick preparation, it’s no wonder this dish is loved by so many. So grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to a delightful plate of Garlic Butter Noodles today!