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Plate of creamy garlic butter noodles garnished with herbs and spices

Creamy Garlic Butter Noodles

A quick and easy comfort food that features spaghetti coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, combined with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a creamy texture.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Comfort food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti or noodles Use any type of pasta you prefer
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter Melt over medium heat
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is preferred for flavor
  • ½ cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Add more for extra creaminess
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season to your preference
  • to garnish Chopped parsley For a fresh touch when serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Gather all the ingredients. Measure out the spaghetti or noodles, butter, and heavy cream. Mince the garlic cloves finely, and set the Parmesan cheese aside for later.

Cooking the Pasta

  • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water if you prefer a thinner sauce.

Making the Sauce

  • In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, watching closely to prevent browning, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
  • Once the butter is melted, sauté the minced garlic in the skillet for about a minute until it’s fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
  • Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Stir and let it simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combining Ingredients

  • Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and use tongs to toss them in the creamy garlic butter sauce until evenly coated.
  • Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cook for an additional minute, ensuring the noodles are heated through and all flavors are incorporated.

Serving

  • Spoon the creamy garlic butter noodles into bowls or plates, garnishing with chopped parsley. Serve hot for the best flavor.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken for additional flavors and nutrition.
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Garlic Butter Noodles, Easy Pasta Recipes, Garlic Butter Pasta, Quick Dinner