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Creamy Garlic Buttered Noodles

Creamy Garlic Buttered Noodles
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Creamy Garlic Buttered Noodles are a quick and comforting pasta dish featuring tender noodles coated in a rich, velvety sauce made with butter, fresh garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 20 minutes, this flavorful and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying meal anytime. Customize it easily with proteins, veggies, or herb variations to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Base

  • 8 ounces fettuccine, spaghetti, or your preferred pasta

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh works best)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned, to build the base flavor.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring gently to combine with the butter and garlic. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened, creating a silky sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if using, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for stronger, more vibrant flavor.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; aim for al dente so noodles hold up well in sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Cook garlic gently over medium heat to avoid bitterness.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for smoother melting and better taste.
  • Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with added cream, milk, or pasta water.
  • Avoid freezing the dish as cream sauce may separate; freeze uncooked pasta instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic noodles, buttered noodles, quick pasta recipe, garlic butter sauce, easy comfort food, vegetarian pasta, creamy pasta

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/creamy-garlic-buttered-noodles/