Make easy garlic parmesan noodles in 20 minutes with butter, garlic, and cheese. A creamy, flavorful pasta recipe perfect for a quick dinner or side dish.
Garlic Parmesan Noodles is a simple comfort dish made with everyday ingredients. It’s rich, savory, and ready in minutes—perfect as a quick main meal or a side for chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
Main
- 250 g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional but makes it creamy)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra richness)
- Fresh parsley (for freshness)
- Cooked chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente (firm but cooked).
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Base
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not burn).
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Lower the heat.
- Add heavy cream (if using) and stir gently.
- Slowly mix in Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add black pepper and salt to taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked pasta into the pan.
- Toss well to coat evenly.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen sauce.
- Mix until creamy and glossy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Turn off heat.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top.
- Add chili flakes or parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Serving Ideas
- With grilled chicken or shrimp
- Alongside garlic bread
- As a creamy side dish for steak
- Topped with roasted vegetables
Tips for Best Results
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting.
- Don’t overcook garlic—it turns bitter quickly.
- Pasta water helps create a silky sauce.
- Serve immediately for best texture (sauce thickens as it sits).
Storage
- Refrigerate: up to 3 days
- Reheat: add a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess
Final Result
Creamy, buttery noodles coated in garlic and Parmesan create a rich yet simple dish that’s both comforting and fast—perfect for busy days or quick cravings.
If you want, I can also make:
- A spicy Cajun garlic parmesan version
- A one-pot garlic parmesan noodles recipe
- Or a restaurant-style Alfredo upgrade version