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Garlic Butter Noodles

You need to try this simple recipe for Garlic Butter Noodles! It is simple and flavorful and also so quick to throw together. This recipe combines browned butter, aromatic garlic, and Parmesan cheese with al dente pasta for a rich, comforting bowl of pasta. This pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a creamy, savory pasta that works as a standalone meal or an easy side for proteins like grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.

Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

Sometimes simple is really the best, and this dish is the definition of that concept. Easy to make, uses ingredients you likely have in your fridge and pantry right now, and even a beginner can make it. You quite literally cannot go wrong here.

Serve this with some grilled shrimp skewers, your next ribeye, or even a piece of grilled fish.

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry basics like pasta, garlic, butter, and Parmesan.
  • Flexible: Works as both a main dish or a side.
  • Rich Flavor: The browned butter adds a deep, nutty taste that enhances the garlic.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Everything comes together in one pot and a single saucepan.
Garlic Butter Noodles

Garlic Butter Noodles shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Ingredients

  • Linguine
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Parmesan Cheese
Garlic Butter Noodles

How to make easy Garlic Butter Noodles

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

How to Make Garlic Butter Noodles in 5 Steps

  1. Boil the Pasta: Cook linguine in 2 quarts of boiling water until al dente.
  2. Brown the Butter: While the pasta cooks, heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it brown slightly for a nutty flavor.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: Add chopped garlic to the butter, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Season with salt.
  4. Combine with Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and toss it directly into the butter-garlic mixture. Add a ladle of pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles.
  5. Add Parmesan and Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, toss well, and remove from heat. Serve immediately.
Garlic Butter Noodles

FAQ

How do I store leftover Garlic Butter Noodles?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How do I reheat this dish?

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

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Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can cook the noodles and prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine when ready to serve.

What are some variations or substitutions?

  • Swap linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you have on hand.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Use grated Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
  • Incorporate protein like grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.
Garlic Butter Noodles

Serve This With…

Garlic Butter Noodles are the perfect blend of flavors and are so easy to make! The browned butter and garlic give it bold, satisfying flavors, and who doesn’t LOVE parmesan cheese? Whether served alone or paired with a protein, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite thanks to its quick prep and minimal ingredients.

More great pasta recipes to love!

We Love Garlic!

Garlic Butter Noodles

Garlic Butter Noodles

These easy garlic butter noodles are packed full of flavor and so simple to make! Perfect side for chicken, steak, or seafood.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: garlic
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 6 cloves chopped garlic
  • 8 ounces butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces linguine

Instructions

  • Boil 2 quarts of water and add in the linguine.
  • While the noodles are cooking, put the butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat.
  • Let the butter cook until you start to see it begin to brown.
  • Add the chopped garlic to the butter and stir it in.
  • Add in the salt.
  • When the noodles are cooked pull them from the water and add them into the butter and garlic sauce and mix thoroughly.
  • Put a ladle full of the pasta water into the noodles and mix.
  • Add the Parmesan cheese last.
  • Remove from the heat and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 707kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 16gFat: 52gSaturated Fat: 33gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 136mgSodium: 855mgPotassium: 179mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1584IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 286mgIron: 1mg