Name: Garlic Butter Noodles
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12 oz Bucatini; 6 tbsp Butter; ½ Lemon; 4 Garlic cloves; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Paprika; ½ tsp Cayenne pepper; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley; 1 Tbsp Fresh chives; ½ tsp Dried thyme; 1 tsp Red pepper flakes; to taste Salt; to taste Black pepper; 2 Tbsp Grated parmesan

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Have you ever found yourself craving something comforting yet simple? That’s exactly how I felt the first time I made Garlic Butter Noodles. It was one of those evenings when I was too tired to think about a complicated meal but still wanted something delicious. A quick glance into my pantry revealed a few basic ingredients: pasta, butter, garlic, and some spices. I knew this was going to be special. The aroma of sizzling garlic in melted butter filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. It reminded me of cozy nights spent with friends, sharing laughter and good food. With just a handful of ingredients, I created a dish that was not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. I can confidently say that Garlic Butter Noodles has become a staple in my household. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a comforting side dish, it never fails to impress!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
12 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
12-inch Non-Stick Skillet, 6-quart saucepot

Why This Garlic Butter Noodles Is a Winner

Simple and Quick

One of the main reasons I adore Garlic Butter Noodles is how effortlessly it comes together. When you’re short on time or just don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this dish is perfect. In less than thirty minutes, you can have a delightful meal on the table that feels gourmet.

Flavorful Ingredients

The combination of rich butter and aromatic garlic creates a luxurious sauce that clings to each strand of pasta. I use fresh garlic, which gives a wonderful depth of flavor. The addition of lemon juice and zest brightens the dish, making each bite refreshing and satisfying. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and zest, which is hard to resist.

Versatility

Garlic Butter Noodles is incredibly versatile! While the base recipe is divine on its own, it can easily accommodate your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether you prefer adding sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or grilled chicken, this dish can be customized to suit your taste. It’s an excellent way to use up any leftovers in your fridge too!

Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is not just a weeknight staple; it’s also elegant enough for entertaining guests. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread, and you have a meal that will impress anyone. It’s suitable for casual gatherings or more formal dinners, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

Comfort Food

There’s something inherently comforting about a bowl of pasta coated in garlicky butter. It evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, reminding me of family dinners and kitchen chatter. The simplicity of Garlic Butter Noodles makes it a dish I turn to whenever I need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredient List for Garlic Butter Noodles

The ingredients for Garlic Butter Noodles are simple yet effective, creating a dish that explodes with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that delightful balance. The main players include:

Bucatini or thick spaghetti: This pasta shape perfectly captures the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Butter: The star of the show, offering rich creaminess that is essential for the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced, it brings a fragrant aroma and robust flavor to the dish.

Lemon: Fresh juice and zest add brightness and help cut through the richness of the butter.
Fresh herbs: Parsley and chives provide a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the overall taste.

Cooking Method for Garlic Butter Noodles

Making Garlic Butter Noodles is a straightforward process that requires just a few steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together! Let’s dive into the cooking instructions:

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once bubbling, add your choice of pasta, either bucatini or thick spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes around eight to ten minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later.
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Let it melt completely without browning, which usually takes about a minute or two. As the butter melts, the scent of rich, creamy butter will fill your kitchen, which is truly delightful.
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for one to two minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden, but be careful not to let it burn as that can make it bitter.

Now, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the zest of half a lemon into the pot, followed by Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are fully combined. The sauce should start to thicken slightly as it warms through.
Next, toss in the chopped fresh parsley, chives, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine, allowing the herbs to infuse their flavors into the sauce. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Now, remove the skillet from the heat and add the drained pasta back into the skillet. Using tongs, gently toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated. You might want to reserve a bit of pasta water if the mixture appears too dry, as it helps emulsify the sauce.

Finally, serve immediately, garnishing with some grated parmesan cheese if desired. The melted cheese will blend beautifully with the sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Things Worth Knowing

Choosing the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes like bucatini or spaghetti that can hold sauces well. Thicker shapes help capture the buttery sauce.
Butter Quality: Use unsalted butter for better flavor control. You can always add salt later, ensuring the right taste balance.

Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and herbs elevate the overall flavor of the dish. Dried herbs can work, but fresh is always better.
Cooking Pasta: Don’t overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.

Substitutions and Tips

When making Garlic Butter Noodles, there are several tips and substitutions you can consider for the best results:

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the pasta for up to a month. Just remember to omit adding parmesan cheese before freezing.
Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add your favorite veggies like spinach or broccoli to the dish. Just sauté them briefly with the garlic.
Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp. Simply toss them in at the end with the pasta.

What to Pair With Garlic Butter Noodles

Garlic Bread: A crusty garlic bread is the perfect side to soak up any leftover sauce.

Side Salads: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the noodles.
Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add color and nutrition.
Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing sip.

Occasions: Great for casual family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a cozy weekend meal.

FAQ

To make Garlic Butter Noodles vegetarian, simply omit any protein and focus on the noodles and sauce. You can add a variety of vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to enhance the dish. These additions not only provide nutrients but also add vibrant colors and textures. You can also consider using vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the pasta to infuse even more flavor into the dish.

Absolutely! Using frozen vegetables is a convenient way to add nutrition to your Garlic Butter Noodles. You can add them directly to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they’ll be heated through and perfectly tender by the time you combine everything. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture after cooking to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

While I recommend bucatini or thick spaghetti for Garlic Butter Noodles, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Linguine, fettuccine, or even egg noodles will work just as well. The key is to cook the pasta until it is al dente, as this texture holds up better when mixed with the buttery sauce.

Storing leftovers of your Garlic Butter Noodles is easy. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help revive the sauce. You want to avoid overheating to keep the noodles from becoming mushy.

Conclusion

In summary, Garlic Butter Noodles is a dish that truly embodies comfort with its rich flavors and simplicity. It’s perfect for any occasion, be it a family dinner or a quick lunch. I encourage you to try making it this week; you won’t be disappointed! With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Garlic Butter Noodles

The ultimate comfort food, Garlic Butter Noodles are rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish will make your taste buds sing with delight. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dish that feels indulgent and comforting—make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

12-inch Non-Stick Skillet
6-quart saucepot

Ingredients

12 oz Bucatini
6 tbsp Butter
½ Lemon
4 Garlic cloves
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Paprika
½ tsp Cayenne pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp Fresh parsley
1 Tbsp Fresh chives
½ tsp Dried thyme
1 tsp Red pepper flakes
to taste Salt
to taste Black pepper
2 Tbsp Grated parmesan

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic cloves, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot and whisk until combined.
Add chopped parsley, chives, thyme, and red pepper flakes to the butter mixture and continue whisking—season with salt and black pepper.