Irresistible Buttery Garlic Noodles w Parmesan Quick Easy
There’s something utterly magical about a bowl of buttery garlic noodles. For me, it whispers comfort, coziness, and a touch of nostalgia. I can still remember those evenings when I was a kid, and my mom would whip these up after a long day. The aroma of sizzling garlic wafting through the house would send my siblings and me bounding into the kitchen, faces lighting up with excitement. It was simple yet heavenly, each bite bursting with flavor, and ever so comforting.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back Sunday, Buttery Garlic Noodles with Parmesan is a dish that never fails to warm the heart and soul. With just a handful of ingredients, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. Grab a fork, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy weeknight dinner: Ready in just 20 minutes!
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Comforting flavors: Buttery, garlicky goodness topped with rich Parmesan.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side or a stand-alone main course.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (about 225g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (freshly grated is best for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember, you don’t want it too soft – a little bite is perfect!
- Drain and reserve water: Once cooked, drain the pasta, but don’t forget to save about a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is a secret ingredient that will help pull your dish together later!
- Sauté the garlic: In the same pot (or a large skillet if you prefer), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color. But watch it closely! Burnt garlic is bitter and nobody likes that!
- Add the pasta: Toss the drained pasta back into the pot with the garlic and butter. Stir gently to coat the noodles evenly.
- Mix in the flavors: Add about half a cup of the reserved pasta water and stir. This will create a lovely sauce. If the noodles look too dry, feel free to add more water little by little until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season it up: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and meld with the noodles. Oh, that cheesy goodness!
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish, and extra Parmesan if you love it cheesy. Then, grab a fork and dig in!
Pro Tips & Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists to make this dish your own:
- Herbs: Swap out the parsley for fresh basil or even thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Add protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal!
- Veggies: Throw in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for an extra health kick.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist!

Serving Suggestions
This dish shines all on its own, but it can also be paired beautifully with a crisp green salad topped with a light vinaigrette for a touch of freshness. Crusty garlic bread or cheesy garlic breads are mouth-watering accompaniments! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm slice while twirling buttery noodles on your fork. It’s the perfect combo!
Craving something warm to sip? Pour yourself a glass of white wine or a cozy hot herbal tea to complete your meal. Your kitchen will smell divine and your guests will feel at home!
Storage Tips
Leftovers? No problem! You can store any remaining noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water to the pan or microwave (covering it with a damp paper towel works wonders) and warm gently. If you find the noodles are a bit dry, adding a touch more butter or olive oil will bring that delightful flavor back.
Can’t finish it all? Feel free to freeze the cooked noodles. Just be sure to let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as mentioned above!
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can swap out the butter for vegan butter or olive oil, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
While I love spaghetti, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer! Linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta are all great options.
Can I use jarred garlic instead of fresh?
While you can use jarred garlic in a pinch, nothing beats the fresh flavor of minced garlic. If you have some on hand, opt for fresh! You’ll get a much better aroma and taste, trust me!
How do I know when the garlic is done cooking?
Perfectly cooked garlic should be fragrant and have a light golden color. If it starts turning brown or dark, it’s burnt, and you should start over, as that bitterness will seep into your dish.
Conclusion
So there you have it, my dear friends! Buttery Garlic Noodles with Parmesan is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and bring back a bit of that wonderful nostalgia in your own kitchen. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below or share your own twists – what toppings did you add? Happy cooking!

Irresistible Buttery Garlic Noodles w Parmesan Quick Easy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor rich buttery garlic noodles topped with Parmesan Quick easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Buttery Garlic Noodles with Parmesan is a comforting dish that combines simple ingredients for a quick and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 70 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
Keywords: Buttery Garlic Noodles, Garlic Noodles with Parmesan, Easy Pasta Recipe
