Buttery Garlic Noodles with Parmesan
This Buttery Garlic Noodles with Parmesan recipe is the perfect 20-minute comfort food made with simple pantry staples. Featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with Parmesan cheese, it's creamy, satisfying, and easy to customize.Whether served on its own or paired with your favorite protein, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
- ½ cup reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta of choice until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained noodles directly to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle in the Parmesan and toss until it melts into a creamy sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season and garnish: Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley, chili flakes, or lemon zest if desired.