Pin I came home late one Tuesday, exhausted and craving something warm but unwilling to put in real effort. A stick of butter, three cloves of garlic, and some spaghetti spinning in the cupboard. Ten minutes later, I was sitting on the floor watching Netflix with a bowl of noodles that tasted like a restaurant dish but cost about two dollars.
My roommate walked in, smelled the garlic, and immediately abandoned her salad plans. We sat at our tiny kitchen table, forks clinking against bowls, not saying much because sometimes the best meals are the ones that dont require conversation to be good.
Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) spaghetti or fettuccine: Long strands hold the garlic butter beautifully, though Ive used penne in a pinch and it still works
- 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter: Unsalted lets you control the seasoning, and dont even think about using margarine here
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced: Fresh garlic is nonnegotiable, nothing else gives you that same fragrant punch
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a subtle warmth that makes the butter feel more complex
- 2 tbsp (8 g) finely chopped fresh parsley: Cuts through the richness and makes the dish look like you actually tried
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more for the pasta water: Pasta water should taste like the ocean, it is your only chance to season the noodles from the inside out
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a difference you can actually taste
- 2 tbsp (15 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds umami and a salty finish that ties everything together
- Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional): Brightens the whole dish and keeps the butter from feeling too heavy
Instructions
- Boil your pasta water properly:
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil, cook the spaghetti until al dente, and reserve about 1/4 cup of that starchy cooking water before draining
- Build your garlic butter base:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over mediumlow heat, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and let it sizzle gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned
- Bring it all together:
- Toss the drained noodles into the garlic butter, coating every strand, and add a splash of that reserved pasta water if the noodles seem dry or stuck together
- Season and finish:
- Stir in the parsley, salt, and black pepper, tossing everything well to distribute the seasoning evenly
- Plate it up:
- Divide between bowls and finish with Parmesan and lemon zest if you want it to feel like something you would order at a restaurant
Pin This recipe became my go-to for friends who say they cant cook. Theres something magical about watching people take their first bite and realize that five ingredients can taste this good.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add a handful of sautéed mushrooms when I want something more substantial. Other times I will throw in some spinach or frozen peas just to feel better about calling it dinner.
Wine Pairing
A crisp white wine cuts through the butter beautifully. I usually grab whatever Pinot Grigio is on sale, pour a glass for cooking and another for drinking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest error is skimping on the salt in your pasta water. Underseasoned noodles leave you with a flat dish no matter how much garlic butter you add.
- Do not use garlic powder, it tastes dusty and lacks the aromatic punch of fresh
- Do not skip the pasta water, it is the secret to restaurant texture
- Do not let the garlic turn brown or your sauce will taste bitter
Pin Some of the best meals are the simplest ones. This garlic butter noodles recipe proves that you do not need much to make something worth savoring.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti or fettuccine are ideal for absorbing the garlic butter, but feel free to use your preferred long pasta.
- → How can I prevent the noodles from drying out?
Reserve some pasta cooking water and add a splash while tossing to maintain moistness and help the sauce cling.
- → Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes provides a mild kick, but it can be omitted for a gentler flavor.
- → What enhances the flavor further?
Fresh parsley adds brightness, and optional Parmesan cheese delivers a nutty, savory finish.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
Vegetarian-friendly by default, and you can select gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.