Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these silky garlic butter noodles. This recipe elevates pantry staples into a gourmet experience, featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a luxurious, garlicky butter emulsion. Finished with fresh Parmesan and a hint of parsley, it creates a savory, satisfying dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, elegant side. The secret lies in the reserved pasta water, which creates a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce without any heavy cream.
Ingredients
12 oz Spaghetti or Fettuccine
4 tbsps Unsalted butter
6 cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/4 cup Reserved pasta water
1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsps Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente.
Reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the noodles.
In a wide skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the butter.
Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the garlic does not brown.
Add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water to the skillet.
Toss vigorously to emulsify the butter and water into a creamy sauce.
Remove from heat, stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use high-quality grass-fed butter for the best flavor. Do not skip the pasta water, as it is essential for creating the glossy sauce. You can add cooked chicken or shrimp to turn this into a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American