Garlic Butter Tender Noodles (Printable)

Tender noodles gently tossed in flavorful garlic butter with fresh parsley and a hint of spice.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 7 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

→ Garlic Butter

02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
04 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
05 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more for pasta water
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing

08 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
09 - zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
03 - Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in garlic butter. Add reserved pasta water if noodles appear dry.
04 - Stir in parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss well to combine flavors.
05 - Divide noodles between serving bowls. Optionally top with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to boil water, perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much effort
  • The combination of garlic and butter hits those same pleasure centers as restaurant garlic bread but in actual dinner form
02 -
  • Burnt garlic turns bitter instantly and ruins the dish, so keep the heat low and watch closely
  • The pasta water is crucial, that starchy liquid helps the butter cling to every strand of noodles
03 -
  • Mince the garlic while the water heats so everything moves efficiently once you start cooking
  • Have all ingredients measured and ready before you begin, the garlic butter step moves fast
Return