Garlic Butter Noodles

Tender noodles twirled in a glistening sauce of butter, olive oil and velvety garlic, Garlic Butter Noodles are a childhood favorite, and one of the first dishes many of us attempted on our own. I still turn to this comforting pasta when I need a quick pick-me-up, and I bet you will too. It’s a simple, delectable dish that always hits the spot for kids of all ages and comes together in just 20 minutes.

Made with just a handful of staple ingredients that I bet you have on hand, this no-fail recipe is so easy, you’ll learn it by heart. It’s rich, creamy, as cheesy as you like, and one of the most reliable recipes you could have in your collection of favorites.

“Perfect accompaniment – kids loved, loved, loved it – which is an amazing feat in itself. Definitely a recipe to add to the repertoire. Thank you”

paula mckay

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Noodles

• Pasta: I like long, slender noodles for this – linguine or spaghetti are my typical choices. Wide egg noodles work well too if you’re craving something heartier.
• Butter: Either salted or unsalted works here. If using salted, you may want to go easy on adding extra salt later.
• Olive Oil: Use the best extra-virgin one you have on hand. Its flavor will shine through in this simple dish.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves are a must. Look for firm bulbs with tight, papery skin.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated makes a big difference here. If you’re feeling adventurous, Pecorino Romano or Asiago offer a nice twist.
• Fresh Parsley: I prefer Italian (flat-leaf) parsley for its more robust flavor, but curly parsley works too.
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Don’t skimp on the pepper – it adds a great kick of spice to balance the richness.

Ample fresh garlic is important, but olive oil and butter are the real stars here. Many iterations of this recipe call for just butter, but I find that using a blend of the two makes a richer, silkier sauce.

Two Key Steps

1. Key step number one to getting this recipe just right is cooking your pasta to a proper al dente (firm to the bite) texture. Under- or overcooking the pasta will make a big difference because the dish is so simple. Though this recipe calls for linguine noodles, I know many have a strong preference for whatever shape of pasta they used growing up. Use your favorite variety and be sure to follow the instructions on the box closely for the best result.
2. Second key step: don’t burn your garlic. This sauce comes together quickly, so keep a close eye on the garlic and reduce the heat on your stove top right away if it starts to brown. For the most luscious sauce, you want the garlic to be tender and mellow.

Make it a one-dish meal.

Perhaps the best part about this dish is that it’s endlessly customizable. It can easily be bulked up for a more filling dish by adding cooked proteins and fresh or leftover cooked vegetables. Good options are: leftover roasted or seared chicken, steamed broccoli or green beans, frozen peas, spinach, cooked shrimp, or sliced Italian sausage. You can also embellish the dish with your favorite seasonings like Cajun seasoning or an Italian spice blend. Tailor the recipe to make it your own!

More Quick and Easy Pasta Recipes

• Lemon Garlic Pasta
• Cajun Shrimp Pasta
• Lemon Basil Pasta

How to Store and Reheat

Store Garlic Butter Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, gently stirring until heated through.

How to make Garlic Butter Noodles

This nostalgic family favorite is made of a simple butter-and-oil sauce that delivers every time–which is why it’s such a well-loved staple dish in so many households. Preparation is simple: cook the pasta, make the garlic butter sauce, toss, top with cheese and dig in!