Buttery Garlic Noodles with Parmesan

A handful of pantry staples turns plain spaghetti into something rich and savory in about twenty minutes. Butter and garlic infuse together gently in a skillet, then a generous handful of Parmesan melts right in to build a glossy, clingy sauce with no cream needed. It's a fast side dish or light dinner that depends entirely on getting a few basics right.

Spaghetti tossed in a glossy garlic butter and Parmesan sauce, no cream required.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fast: ready in about 20 minutes (5 min prep, 15 min cook)
• Simple: 8 everyday ingredients
• Feeds the family: 4 servings
• Light: about 425 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, reserving half a cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the garlic, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
3. Add the drained noodles directly to the skillet with the garlic butter and toss well to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and toss until it melts into a creamy sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with parsley, chili flakes, or lemon zest if desired.

Cooking Tips

• Keep the heat low when sautéing the garlic so it doesn't turn bitter.
• Save extra pasta water before draining — it helps the Parmesan melt into a smooth sauce.
• Toss constantly once the cheese goes in so it coats evenly instead of clumping.

Substitutions

• Any long pasta can replace spaghetti.
• Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
• Olive oil can replace part of the butter for a lighter sauce.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing isn't recommended, since the sauce can separate once thawed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side dish alongside grilled meat or fish.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a full meal.
• Top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	425 kcal

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