Easy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Noodles (Simple Pantry Dinner)
These garlic butter noodles are buttery, garlicky and coated in parmesan, made from a handful of pantry staples in about 15 minutes. It is the comfort bowl for nights when cooking feels like too much.
It is humble but genuinely crave-worthy, and it takes about as long as it does to boil the pasta.
Why you will love these garlic butter noodles
- 15 minutes and all pantry staples.
- Ultimate comfort food on a lazy night.
- 5 main ingredients.
- Great base – add protein or veg if you like.
What you need for garlic butter noodles
- Pasta – spaghetti or any long noodle.
- Butter and garlic – the whole point; do not rush the garlic.
- Parmesan for savory depth.
- Pasta water makes the sauce cling.
How to make garlic butter noodles
- Boil the pasta. Cook 12 ounces of spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente. Scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Cook the garlic. While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over low to medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves (and chili flakes, if using) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
- Toss. Add the drained pasta, 1/2 cup grated parmesan and a splash of pasta water. Toss until the noodles are glossy and coated, adding more water a little at a time.
- Finish. Season with salt and pepper, stir in the parsley and serve right away with extra parmesan.
Tips for the best garlic butter noodles
- Cook the garlic low and slow so it never browns or turns bitter.
- Save a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Toss off the heat so the parmesan melts smoothly.
Storage & reheating
These noodles are best fresh. Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat with a splash of water and a little extra butter until hot (165°F). The USDA leftovers guide has more on storing cooked food safely.
Easy add-ins
- Protein: top with our 20-minute garlic butter shrimp or sliced cooked chicken.
- Greens: stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end, or add peas to the pasta water for the last 2 minutes.
- Lemon: a little lemon zest and juice make it fresh and bright.
- More heat: add extra chili flakes with the garlic.
What to serve with garlic butter noodles
Serve them on their own as a quick dinner, or as a side with lemon garlic chicken, roasted vegetables or a green salad. A slice of cheesy garlic bread is never a bad idea. Long noodles are also a New Year good luck food; see our New Year’s Day food ideas.
Frequently asked questions
What noodles are best for garlic butter noodles?
Long pasta like spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine works best because the butter sauce clings to it. Egg noodles also work.
How do I keep the garlic from burning?
Cook it in the butter over low to medium heat for only 1 to 2 minutes, and stir often. Take the pan off the heat if it starts to color.
Why add pasta water?
The starch in the pasta water helps the butter and parmesan turn into a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the noodles instead of sitting in the pan.
Can I make garlic butter noodles ahead?
They are best fresh, but leftovers keep for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of water and a little butter.
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15-Minute Garlic Butter Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the water, then drain.
- In a large pan over low-medium heat, melt the butter and cook the garlic (and chili flakes) gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the drained pasta, parmesan and a splash of pasta water. Toss until glossy and coated, adding more water as needed.
- Season, stir through the parsley, and serve with extra parmesan.
Notes
This recipe was developed with the help of AI tools and reviewed before publishing. It may not have been independently kitchen-tested — use your judgment, check for allergens, and cook to safe temperatures. See our AI Content Disclosure. Spotted an issue? Tell us.
