Garlic Butter Noodles
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Garlic Butter Noodles
Garlic butter noodles are the fastest dinner in this collection and use ingredients you almost always have. Butter and garlic toast together into a fragrant sauce, then hot pasta and a splash of pasta water turn it glossy. A handful of Parmesan and parsley finishes it. Cook the garlic gently so it turns golden and sweet rather than brown and bitter. It works as a quick meal or a simple side.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- While it cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook gently until fragrant and golden, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and salt.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet.
- Toss the pasta in the garlic butter, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce is glossy and coats every strand.
- Stir in the Parmesan and parsley and serve right away.
Tips and variations
- Cook the garlic low and slow until just golden. Browned garlic turns bitter and takes over the dish.
- Reserve pasta water before draining. It is what brings the butter and cheese together into a silky sauce.
- Add the Parmesan off the heat so it melts smoothly into the noodles instead of clumping.
- Toss in cooked shrimp, chicken, or peas to turn it into a fuller meal.
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Common questions
- How do I keep the garlic from burning
- Cook it over medium-low heat and pull it off as soon as it turns golden and fragrant. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and cannot be saved.
- Can I use salted butter
- Yes, just cut back on the added salt and taste as you go so the dish does not turn out too salty.
- What pasta works best
- Long strands like spaghetti and linguine soak up the garlic butter well, but any pasta you have on hand will work.
- How do I make it a full meal
- Stir in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or sauteed vegetables. A handful of peas or spinach adds color and nutrition.
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