If you are craving a dish that’s comfort food at its finest yet surprisingly quick and easy to whip up, this Butter Garlic Parmesan Noodles Recipe is the one to try. It combines velvety butter, fragrant garlic, and sharp Parmesan cheese to coat tender egg noodles in a luscious sauce that feels indulgent without being complicated. Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh notes that can easily become your go-to weeknight favorite or a cozy side for a special meal. The simplicity of this recipe belies its rich, soul-satisfying flavor, making it undeniably addicting and a joy to share with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Butter Garlic Parmesan Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity, needing just a handful of basic staples that work harmoniously to build amazing flavor and texture. Each ingredient adds its own special touch, from the silky butter to the zing of fresh parsley, creating a dish that’s straightforward yet unforgettable.
- 8 ounces egg noodles: Their broad, flat shape holds the sauce beautifully for every bite.
- 1/4 cup butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that coats the noodles perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up the palate with aromatic savoriness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Brightens and adds a lovely splash of color to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a bit of warmth and spice to balance the richness.
How to Make Butter Garlic Parmesan Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Start by bringing a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Cooking your egg noodles according to the package instructions ensures they reach that perfect tender-but-not-mushy texture. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as it plays a crucial role later in melding the sauce together.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Next, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat—this will be the luscious foundation of your sauce. Add the minced garlic and let it cook gently for about one minute. This brief cooking time lets the garlic infuse the butter with its aromatic goodness without overpowering the dish or burning.
Step 3: Create the Parmesan Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese along with 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely into the buttery mixture, creating a silky and flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Seasonings
Finally, add the cooked noodles to the skillet along with the fresh parsley and black pepper. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure each strand is coated. If the noodles seem dry, splash in a little more of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
How to Serve Butter Garlic Parmesan Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Butter Garlic Parmesan Noodles Recipe, sprinkle on a little extra grated Parmesan, a few fresh parsley leaves, or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add a beautiful sheen and richness just before serving.
Side Dishes
This luscious pasta pairs wonderfully with simply sautéed vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or roasted chicken. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled shrimp or crispy bacon. The creamy, garlicky flavor of the noodles complements a wide array of proteins and vegetables, making it incredibly versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, twirl the noodles neatly onto plates with tongs, creating neat nests that look straight out of a bistro. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and a Parmesan crisp on top for added texture and visual appeal. Alternatively, serve family style in a large rustic bowl to invite everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butter Garlic Parmesan Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To preserve the creamy texture, it’s best to add a little extra butter or olive oil before reheating to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, note that the texture of the noodles can change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place the noodles in a freezer-safe container and seal tightly. Use within one month for best flavor and quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
When reheating Butter Garlic Parmesan Noodles Recipe, do so over low heat on the stove or in the microwave at medium power. Add a splash of pasta water, milk, or cream to help restore the sauce’s silky consistency. Stir frequently to ensure even warming without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles work wonderfully here due to their sauce-holding shape, you can substitute with fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegan Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast. The garlic and herbs will still provide plenty of flavor, making it a great vegan comfort food option.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits make excellent additions to bulk up this recipe, turning it from a side to a satisfying main course.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
For extra creaminess, try adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese when melting the Parmesan. This will give the sauce a richer, silkier texture.
What’s the best way to prevent garlic from burning?
Keep your heat at medium or medium-low and stir constantly during the garlic cooking step. Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if burnt, so a gentle approach ensures mellow, sweet garlic flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Garlic Parmesan Noodles Recipe is pure magic in a bowl. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s so simple, comforting, and delicious. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or as a cozy treat, it promises to bring warmth and joy with every bite. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen!
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Butter Garlic Parmesan Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and comforting Buttered Noodles recipe featuring tender egg noodles tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect quick meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces egg noodles
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the noodles. Set noodles aside.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Continue stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Add the cooked noodles, chopped fresh parsley, and black pepper to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the buttery garlic sauce. If the noodles seem dry, add more of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Use fresh garlic and fresh parsley for best flavor.
- Adjust black pepper to taste for a mild or more peppery kick.
- For a richer dish, add extra grated Parmesan on top before serving.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve more people.
