Easy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe for Quick Comfort Food

If you’re craving something fast, buttery, and downright irresistible, this garlic butter noodles recipe is your new go-to dish. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a warm, comforting plate of pasta that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, looking for a quick side dish, or just want a cozy solo meal, these noodles hit the spot every single time.

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Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

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Make this garlic butter noodles recipe in minutes! A quick, easy, and comforting pasta dish the whole family will love.Make this garlic butter noodles recipe in minutes! A quick, easy, and comforting pasta dish the whole family will love.

• Total Time: PT20M
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• ½ cup reserved pasta water

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.

3. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add pasta and toss to coat.

5. Stir in reserved pasta water, a little at a time.

6. Season with salt, pepper, Parmesan, and parsley if using.

7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

• Add red pepper flakes for heat or grilled chicken for protein.

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

• Author: Mily
• Prep Time: PT5M
• Cook Time: PT15M
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

Simple, Affordable Ingredients

First things first—you don’t need anything fancy. The magic of this garlic butter noodles recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of the ingredients are probably in your kitchen right now. That means no stress, no last-minute store runs—just pure comfort food on demand.

Fast & Foolproof

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Yep, really. It’s perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time or energy but still want something homemade and satisfying.

Kid-Approved and Adult-Loved

Picky eaters? No problem. This recipe is buttery, savory, and mild, making it a hit with little ones. But don’t worry—it’s not boring. Add some crushed red pepper, herbs, or Parmesan and bam, you’ve got a dish even the grown-ups will rave about.

Easy to Customize

One of the best parts? It can be dressed up or down to suit your style. Add grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, or just keep it plain and buttery. Either way, it’s absolutely delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pantry Staples with Big Flavor

What makes this garlic butter noodles recipe so great? You only need a few basic ingredients to create something seriously satisfying. Plus, most of them are already sitting in your pantry or fridge.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter: Salted or unsalted—it’s your choice! Just make sure it’s real butter for that rich, creamy base.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves give the best punch of flavor. Mince them finely for a stronger garlic kick.
• Pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or even egg noodles work well. Use what you love!
• Olive Oil: A splash of extra-virgin adds depth and prevents the butter from burning.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning your water and your sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): Freshly grated cheese takes it to the next level.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For color, freshness, and a little fancy finish.

Tip: If you’re short on garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—but fresh is always better.

Because this garlic butter noodles recipe is so simple, each ingredient plays a big role. So try to use the best quality you have on hand, especially for the butter and garlic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Quick, Easy, and No Fuss

Ready to whip up this garlic butter noodles recipe? It’s as easy as boil, sauté, and toss. Seriously—this meal comes together in less time than it takes to scroll through takeout options.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Boil the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your noodles and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Drain, but save about ½ cup of pasta water—trust me, it’s liquid gold.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
   Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat while the pasta boils. Add olive oil and garlic. Stir gently until the garlic is fragrant and just golden—about 1–2 minutes. Don’t let it brown too much or it’ll turn bitter.
3. Toss It All Together:
   Add your cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss them well so they’re coated in that garlicky, buttery goodness. If it looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
4. Season and Finish:
   Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan if using. Toss again. Finish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

And that’s it! This garlic butter noodles recipe is proof that the simplest meals often taste the best. Serve it-up-hot and watch it disappear.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Noodles Every Time

Mastering the Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

Achieving perfection with your garlic butter noodles recipe is simpler than you might think. The following tried-and-true advice will help you improve your dish:

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic imparts a robust flavor that’s hard to beat. Avoid pre-minced or jarred options, as they can lack the depth of fresh cloves.
• Balance Butter and Oil: Combining butter with a touch of olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds a layer of complexity to the sauce.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Aim for al dente pasta to ensure it holds up well when tossed with the sauce. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and less enjoyable.
• Save Pasta Water: Set aside a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining your pasta. This liquid gold helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling beautifully to the noodles.
• Season Thoughtfully: Taste your sauce before adding salt, especially if you’re incorporating Parmesan, which is naturally salty. The flavor can also be improved by adding a dash of black pepper.

By following these tips, your garlic butter noodles recipe will consistently deliver a comforting and flavorful experience.

Looking for inspiration? Try our garlic noodles Vietnamese recipe and give it a lean twist with turkey protein.

Make It a Full Meal: What to Serve With It

Elevating Your Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

While the garlic butter noodles recipe is delightful on its own, pairing it with complementary dishes can transform it into a well-rounded meal:

• Grilled Proteins: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to introduce a satisfying protein element. These additions not only enhance the dish’s nutritional profile but also add texture and flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers. The caramelized edges and earthy flavors of roasted veggies pair wonderfully with the rich, buttery noodles.
• Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the noodles. Consider including ingredients like arugula, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for added freshness.
• Crusty Bread: Offer slices of warm, crusty bread to soak up any remaining garlic butter sauce. It’s a simple addition that ensures none of the delicious sauce goes to waste.

For more delicious recipes and meal ideas, check out our recipe article.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Keeping Your Garlic Butter Noodles Fresh

Let’s be honest—this garlic butter noodles recipe is so tasty, leftovers are rare. But if you do happen to have some, don’t worry! Storing and reheating them the right way will keep them just as good the next day.

• Store in an Airtight Container:
  Transfer the noodles to a sealed container once they cool completely. This keeps them from drying out and helps lock in flavor.
• Refrigerate Promptly:
  Place your container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, the noodles will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Reheating for Best Results

• Stovetop Method:
  Add a splash of water or a pat of butter to a skillet, then toss in the noodles. Warm over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through. This brings back that glossy, buttery finish.
• Microwave Option:
  Put the noodles in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a small spoon of water or butter, then cover loosely. Warm in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the texture just right.

Recipe Variations You Can Try

Twist the Classic Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

One of the best things about this garlic butter noodles recipe? It’s a blank canvas! With just a few tweaks, you can create brand-new flavors without changing the heart of the dish.

Add a Protein Boost

Want to make it more filling? Try mixing in:

• Grilled chicken breast
• Sautéed shrimp or scallops
• Crispy tofu for a vegetarian option

Each of these adds texture and turns a side dish into a full-on dinner.

Spice Things Up

Love a little heat? Here’s how to give your garlic butter noodles a kick:

• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing
• Stir in a splash of chili oil before serving
• Sprinkle a bit of cayenne for extra fire

Make It Cheesy

You can also lean into cheesy goodness by adding:

• Fresh grated Parmesan or Pecorino
• A handful of shredded mozzarella
• A scoop of cream cheese for a creamy twist

Go Herb-Heavy

Brighten things up with herbs like:

• Basil
• Thyme
• Chives
• Dill

These additions bring a fresh note that balances out the richness of the butter and garlic.

Common Questions About Garlic Butter Noodles

Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe

Here’s the full garlic butter noodles recipe laid out in an easy-to-follow format. Save it, print it, or bookmark it—you’ll definitely want to make it again.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta till al dente in boiling salted water. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant and golden.
4. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss well.
5. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until the noodles are coated in a silky sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in Parmesan and parsley if using.
7. Serve warm and enjoy immediately!

Notes:

• For more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• You can double this recipe easily for a larger crowd.
• Great with grilled chicken or shrimp!

Final Thoughts

This garlic butter noodles recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples and under 20 minutes, you can create a delicious dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you serve it solo or pair it with your favorite protein, it’s a quick win for flavor and simplicity. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!

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Here are a few you’ll want to check out:

• Crockpot Ranch Chicken – The Ultimate Slow Cooker Comfort Dish
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• Churro Cheesecake Recipe – A Dessert You’ll Dream About
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• Easy Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream
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