Description
Silky garlic butter noodles deliver an irresistible Italian-inspired comfort classic that melts hearts with each twirled bite. Pasta lovers will discover pure culinary bliss in this simple yet luxurious dish you can master in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti, fettuccine, or favorite pasta
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Butter and Seasoning:
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Liquid and Garnish:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a capacious pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, typically following package guidance.
- Extract a quarter cup of starchy cooking liquid before thoroughly draining the pasta.
- Select a spacious skillet and gently melt butter over moderate heat until it transforms into a silky liquid.
- Introduce finely chopped garlic and optional red pepper flakes into the liquefied butter. Gently sauté the aromatics, continuously stirring to prevent scorching, until the garlic releases its fragrant essence and adopts a delicate golden hue.
- Reduce flame to minimal intensity and carefully transfer cooked pasta into the infused butter mixture, ensuring each strand becomes luxuriously coated.
- Incorporate reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper. Tenderly toss the ingredients, allowing the cheese to melt seamlessly and create a creamy, glossy sauce that envelops the noodles.
- Transfer the glistening noodles onto serving plates or a communal platter, creating an inviting presentation.
- Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, an additional dusting of Parmesan, and a whisper of salt to elevate the flavors.
Notes
- Prevent soggy noodles by cooking pasta just until al dente, ensuring a perfect texture that holds up to the rich garlic butter sauce.
- Balance garlic intensity by using fresh garlic cloves and controlling sauté time to achieve a golden, fragrant flavor without burning.
- Customize the dish for different dietary needs by substituting gluten-free pasta, using vegan butter alternatives, or adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Enhance flavor depth by toasting red pepper flakes briefly in butter before adding garlic, which releases their essential oils and creates a more complex taste profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg