Craving something cozy, cheesy, and incredibly easy? These Parmesan Garlic Noodles are your answer. With just a handful of ingredients and under 20 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a dish that’s creamy, savory, and full of comforting flavor.
This recipe is all about simplicity. Pasta tossed in butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, silky sauce that clings to every noodle. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up when the fridge is nearly empty but you still want something satisfying.
The garlic is gently sautéed in butter until fragrant, then mixed with hot pasta and a generous handful of shredded Parmesan. A splash of starchy pasta water helps form a luscious, glossy sauce.
These noodles are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them as a main dish with a green salad or roasted veggies, or serve them as a side with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.
You can use spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or any long noodle you like. Even short pastas like penne or shells work beautifully.
Want to level it up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
This dish is a lifesaver on busy nights, when you want comfort food without the time commitment. It also makes a fantastic lunch and reheats well the next day.
Garlic and Parmesan are a timeless combo—and this recipe lets them shine with no distractions.
There’s no cream, no eggs, no fuss—just pasta, butter, garlic, cheese, and love.
It’s the kind of simple, reliable recipe everyone should have in their back pocket.
Even picky eaters love it, and it’s easily customizable to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
Make it once and you’ll find yourself returning to it whenever you need a quick, tasty pasta fix.
It’s affordable, pantry-friendly, and feels a little fancy without the effort.
Servings:
Serves 4
Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Optional: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet.
- Toss with Parmesan cheese and a splash of pasta water until a silky sauce forms.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add more pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcook garlic—it should be fragrant, not browned.
- Stir continuously when mixing pasta with cheese to prevent clumping.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy, these noodles come together fast with just a few ingredients. It’s pure pasta comfort in a bowl—quick, easy, and always delicious.
Summary:
Parmesan Garlic Noodles are the ultimate comfort food—fast, flavorful, and made with pantry staples. Perfect as a main or a side, they’re creamy, garlicky, and totally irresistible.
