Go Back

10-Minute Garlic Butter Noodles

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz ½ box spaghetti or thin spaghetti
  • 3 tbsp salted butter
  • 3 –4 garlic cloves finely minced
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Boil the pasta:
  2. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain (do not rinse).
  3. Make garlic butter:
  4. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30–40 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
  5. Combine:
  6. Add cooked pasta to the pan. Pour in reserved pasta water, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss until glossy and coated.
  7. Finish and serve:
  8. Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Adjust salt to taste. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic — jarred garlic changes the flavor.
  • Salt the pasta water well for best taste.
  • Add Parmesan after removing from heat so it stays creamy, not clumpy.
  • If pasta looks dry, add a splash more pasta water or butter.