This Garlic Butter Noodles recipe elevates a childhood classic into a buttery, flavorful pasta dish perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy as an entree or pair with shrimp, chicken, or steak.
These garlic butter noodles are definitely a throwback to my younger years. These were a staple in my family’s house since they were cheap and easy to make. The version I make today includes a few extra ingredients, like parmesan cheese, and a little bit of seasoning. This is a dish that pleases kids and adults alike! (Plus it takes just 20 minutes to make!)
These Aren’t Your Basic Garlic Butter Noodles
When I was a kid, garlic butter noodles meant noodles tossed in garlic powder and butter. Great when I was a kid but, as an adult, I decided to elevate the recipe just a bit.
- Perfectly seasoned. The garlic is still the star of the show but a little bit of salt and pepper, plus optional red pepper flakes, really make a difference!
- Buttery, creamy sauce. Some parmesan cheese and a splash of starchy pasta water create an actual sauce for these noodles. You’ll have pasta water anyway, so why not put it to good use?
- Still ridiculously easy! Even with these changes, it still takes less than 20 minutes to make these noodles from start to finish. And all the ingredients are kitchen staples, so they can be whipped up pretty much anytime!
Recipe Ingredients
The best part of this recipe is that is uses just a few basic ingredients. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Spaghetti – While any type of pasta works, I prefer long, thin noodles like spaghetti. Angel hair works great too.
- Butter – Salted or unsalted butter both work. Just adjust the added salt accordingly.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is key! The jarred minced garlic and garlic powder do not add the same level of flavor.
- Red pepper flakes – I like to add a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes to my garlic butter noodles but they are completely optional.
- Salt & pepper
- Parmesan – Freshly grated parmesan adds some texture and flavor. Try grated pecorino Romano instead of parmesan for a sharper, saltier taste.
- Parsley – Chopped parsley is my favorite garnish for these noodles! It really makes them look fancier.
How To Make Garlic Butter Noodles
These noodles are super quick and easy to make. The printable instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
- Cook the spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti to al dente using the package instruction. Reserve a cup of pasta water then drain.
- Make the garlic butter. Heat the butter over medium heat. Cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat then add the spices.
- Add the pasta. Toss the drained pasta with the garlic butter mixture. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water.
- Add the cheese. Turn off the heat. Add the parmesan over the pasta and toss to coat until a creamy sauce forms. Finish by adding the chopped parsley and gently tossing.
Tips & Variations
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making garlic butter noodles as well as a few variations.
- Don’t burn the garlic. It’s important to stir the garlic frequently to avoid burning it (or browning the butter). If the garlic burns, toss it out and start over.
- Reserve pasta water. I recommend reserving a cup, though you’ll likely only need 1-2 tablespoons. The starch in the pasta water helps create a creamy sauce.
- Add a protein or veggies. Cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms can be added for extra flavor. Vegetables like broccoli or spinach also work well!
- Experiment with different herbs. Replace parsley with fresh basil or chives for a different flavor profile.
- Other Noodle options. I prefer spaghetti noodles, but feel free to use egg noodles or any other cooked pasta.
- Season to taste. I always like to give these noodles a taste test and add more salt/pepper/red pepper flakes as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Let’s be honest – kids LOVE garlic butter noodles as their entire meal! And sometimes so do I! To serve these as an entree, I’ll often start with a fresh side salad or wedge salad. For a more filling meal, add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak. These garlic butter steak bites pair perfectly with the pasta for an easy weeknight dinner.
How To Store Leftovers
- Fridge. Store leftover garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a little butter to revive the sauce.
Garlic Butter Noodles
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 5 Tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan
- 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti following the directions on the package, making sure to cook it al dente. Before draining, save 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- While the spaghetti cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Add the minced garlic to the butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown.
- Reduce the heat and mix in the red pepper flakes (if using), along with some salt and black pepper. Stir well to evenly combine the seasonings with the butter.
- Transfer the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss it thoroughly to coat in the garlic butter mixture. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to make the sauce smooth.
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle the grated parmesan over the pasta. Toss everything together until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce with the butter.
- Finish by adding the chopped parsley, gently tossing to distribute it evenly.
- Serve right away with extra parsley or parmesan on top, if desired. Enjoy!
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