Have you ever craved something so simple, yet so satisfying? That’s exactly what Garlic Noodles are. It’s one of those dishes that makes you wonder why you didn’t think to make it sooner. With just a handful of ingredients, these noodles come together quickly and taste like they’ve been made by a professional chef. If you’re in the mood for something savory, garlicky, and absolutely comforting, these garlic noodles will hit the spot every time. They’re the kind of dish that you can whip up for a cozy weeknight meal or even serve as a side dish to a bigger dinner. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Garlic Noodles are the perfect example of how simplicity can be incredibly delicious. With tender noodles coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, each bite is packed with flavor. The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make it. It’s one of those recipes that’s quick, easy, and so versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, or add veggies, chicken, or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal. Plus, it’s perfect for any skill level in the kitchen, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a pro making this!
Ingredients
This recipe uses very basic ingredients, which is why it’s so perfect for a quick, weeknight meal. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need (full ingredient list below):
- Noodles (spaghetti or your favorite variety)
- Garlic (lots of it!)
- Butter
- Soy sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- Green onions (for garnish)
It’s as simple as that—just a handful of pantry staples that come together to create something magical. You can even add a pinch of chili flakes if you want a bit of heat!
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add your noodles and cook them according to the package directions, typically around 8-10 minutes, or until they’re al dente. Be sure to save a cup of pasta water before draining, as it helps to create a smoother sauce later on. Drain the noodles and set them aside for now.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! You want that rich garlic flavor to infuse the butter without turning it bitter.
Step 3: Add Soy Sauce and Pasta Water
Once the garlic is perfectly fragrant, add the soy sauce to the pan and stir it into the garlic butter. Then, pour in about 1/4 cup of the pasta water you saved earlier. This will help to thin out the sauce and make it silky and smooth.
Step 4: Toss in the Noodles
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add your drained noodles to the pan and toss them well so that they’re fully coated in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, just add a little more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish
Once the noodles are fully coated in the sauce, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and give it one last toss to combine. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding even more richness and flavor. Finish by garnishing with fresh green onions for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter quickly if it’s overcooked, so be sure to sauté it just until it’s fragrant. Keep an eye on it!
- Use high-quality butter: Since butter is the base of your sauce, using a good-quality, unsalted butter will really make a difference in flavor.
- Reserve pasta water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining your noodles! It’s a key ingredient that helps the sauce come together and cling to the noodles.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add protein: You can easily make this a more substantial meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add veggies: Want to sneak in some greens? Add spinach, broccoli, or even some mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy version: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or chili oil for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the garlic.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Garlic Noodles are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with so many different sides and main dishes. Here are a few ideas to serve alongside:
- Grilled or roasted chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast goes perfectly with the rich, buttery noodles.
- Vegetable stir-fry: Pair with a light stir-fry of your favorite veggies for a balanced meal.
- Steak: If you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, a juicy steak on the side is a great option.
You can also serve these noodles with a fresh side salad for a more complete dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), garlic noodles store really well. Just place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra butter to bring back that creamy texture. You can also microwave them in a pinch—just make sure to cover the dish to prevent the noodles from drying out.
4 FAQs
1. Can I use any type of noodles for this recipe?
Yes! While spaghetti is the most common choice, you can use any type of pasta you like. Angel hair, fettuccine, or even rice noodles would work well.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Simply swap out the butter for vegan butter and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
3. Can I freeze garlic noodles?
It’s best to eat them fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze them. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container, and they should last up to a month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
4. Can I add more garlic?
If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add extra cloves of garlic to the recipe! The more, the better, right?
Conclusion
Garlic Noodles are one of those dishes that’s deceptively simple but packed with so much flavor. With just a few ingredients, you get a satisfying, comforting meal that can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up with your favorite protein or veggies. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Easy, delicious, and totally customizable—it doesn’t get better than that!
Print
Garlic Noodles: A Simple, Flavorful Dish That’s Pure Comfort
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Noodles are a simple, quick, and incredibly flavorful dish. With tender noodles coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish offers the perfect balance of savory and comforting flavors. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish to a larger meal, these garlic noodles will satisfy your cravings with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti or preferred type)
- 4–6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Optional: chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil salted water in a pot, add noodles, and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes). Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set noodles aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
- Add Soy Sauce & Pasta Water: Stir in soy sauce and 1/4 cup pasta water. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes until combined.
- Toss in the Noodles: Add the drained noodles to the pan. Toss well to coat noodles with the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Add Cheese & Garnish: Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and toss again until melted. Garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the garlic: Sauté it only until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water: It’s key to making the sauce smooth and helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
- You can add extra garlic if you love the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg