Garlic Butter Noodles (The Perfect Side for any dish)

These garlic butter noodles are one of those simple recipes that quietly steal the show. They’re buttery, glossy, packed with garlic flavor, and come together in under 20 minutes — which makes them the perfect side dish for heartier mains like Chicken Parmesan.

If you’ve ever needed a no-fuss pasta that feels comforting without competing with the main dish, this is it.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is simple on purpose, and every step matters:

• Butter is gently melted so the garlic flavors it without burning
• Pasta water creates a silky sauce instead of a heavy one
• Parmesan melts directly into the noodles for richness
• Low heat keeps everything smooth and glossy

The result is a pasta that’s flavorful, balanced, and never greasy.

Ingredient Notes

• Pasta noodles: Long or short both work — use what you have
• Butter: Divided so you can build flavor in layers
• Garlic: Freshly minced makes a big difference here
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated melts best
• Pasta water: Key for creating a silky, restaurant-style sauce

How to Make Garlic Butter Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
2. In a skillet or Dutch oven, melt most of the butter over low heat.
3. Add garlic and gently sauté just until fragrant — don’t let it brown.
4. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, then add pasta water a little at a time until glossy.
6. Finish with remaining butter, season with salt and pepper, garnish with red pepper flakes and parsley (if using) and serve immediately.

FAQs

Why shouldn’t the garlic brown?
Burnt garlic turns bitter. Low heat keeps the flavor mellow and rich.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of water.

What pasta shapes work best?
Spaghetti, linguine, penne, or rotini all work well.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Noodles

These noodles pair especially well with:

• Baked Chicken Parmesan
• Meatballs or sausage
• Roasted vegetables
• Simple salads

They’re designed to support the main dish, not overpower it.

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Garlic Butter Noodles

They’re buttery, glossy, packed with garlic flavor, and come together in under 20 minutes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz Dried pasta noodles long or short pasta
• 4 tbsp butter divided
• 2 Garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup Grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley optional, chopped
• red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta to the boiling water and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
• In a skillet or Dutch oven large enough to hold the pasta, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the garlic and sauté lightly, stirring frequently. You want to flavor the butter without browning the garlic so do this over low heat.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with kitchen tongs. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and toss so the cheese melts. Add some of the pasta water (a couple of spoonfuls at a time) and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss, adding more pasta cooking water until the pasta is glossy and coated. Most likely, you wonʼt need all the cooking water.
• Season with salt and ground black pepper, give it a quick toss and serve immediately topped with Parmesan cheese, rep pepper flakes and chopped parsley.