Description
This Garlic Butter Noodles recipe delivers a simple yet flavorful pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender spaghetti or fettuccine is coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes for warmth, fresh parsley for brightness, and optional Parmesan and lemon zest for added depth. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy comfort food that feels special with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 7 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- Salt for pasta water (to taste)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook until al dente as per the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the finely minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Combine Pasta and Butter: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss thoroughly to incorporate all the flavors evenly.
- Serve: Divide the garlic butter noodles between serving bowls. Garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic for this recipe.
- Reserve pasta water is important to adjust the sauce consistency—add gradually.
- Parmesan cheese and lemon zest are optional but add lovely depth and brightness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the noodles with the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
