Garlic Noodles
Garlic Noodles is a simple, quick, and flavorful dish combining tender noodles with a rich garlic butter sauce accented by soy sauce and optional Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it offers bold umami flavors with customizable add-ins for protein or veggies.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be made Vegan and Gluten-Free with substitutions)
Noodles
- 8 oz spaghetti or egg noodles
Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Prepare the Noodles: Boil the noodles in salted water until just al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Cook the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté gently until aromatic and golden brown to create the base flavor.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce and mix well. Add red pepper flakes here if you want a spicy kick. Allow the sauce to meld for about a minute.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Toss the drained noodles into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to coat every strand in garlic butter sauce. If the noodles seem dry, slowly add reserved pasta water until the texture is silky and perfect.
- Finish with Cheese and Garnishes: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped green onions over the noodles, toss gently, and serve immediately to enjoy maximum freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor.
- Cook noodles al dente to absorb the sauce better and maintain texture.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce to the noodles.
- Choose unsalted, high-quality butter for a clean, rich taste.
- Add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping or oiliness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Garlic Noodles, Easy Noodles, Asian Noodles, Quick Dinner, Garlicky Pasta, Comfort Food