You know those nights when you’re hungry now, your brain is tired, and the fridge is giving “thoughts and prayers”? Garlic Butter Noodles are the answer. They’re warm, buttery, garlicky, and somehow feel like a little hug in a bowl—without asking you to chop a million things or dirty every pot you own.
This is one of those “why didn’t I make this sooner?” meals. It’s also the kind of side dish that accidentally becomes dinner because you keep “taste-testing” straight out of the skillet. (No judgment. I’m basically the president of that club.)
Let’s make it together—simple, cozy, and wildly satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Noodles
- 15-minute magic. Faster than deciding what to order.
- Budget-friendly comfort. Butter + garlic + pasta = iconic trio.
- Perfect for picky eaters. It’s familiar, mild, and still flavorful.
- Flexible. Serve it as a side, make it a main, or dress it up with protein/veggies.
If your weeknight schedule feels like a sprint, this recipe is your comfy little shortcut.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beautiful short list (my favorite kind of list):
- Egg noodles – Their shape is perfect for grabbing onto that buttery sauce.
- Butter (unsalted) – You control the salt, and the flavor stays rich.
- Garlic – The star. Savory, cozy, irresistible.
- Parmesan cheese – Please use a good block if you can; it melts better and tastes like the real deal.
- Parsley – A fresh pop that makes everything taste brighter.
- Salt & pepper – Don’t be shy, especially with pepper. It balances the butter like a champ.
Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.
How to Make Garlic Butter Noodles
This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together… even if you’re still wearing yesterday’s sweatshirt.
1) Boil the noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil (think “tastes like the sea,” or at least like it’s trying). Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.
2) Start the garlic butter sauce
When the noodles are about 5 minutes from done, melt the butter over medium heat in a skillet.
3) Cook the garlic (gently!)
Add the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. You want it fragrant and softened—not browned. (Burnt garlic tastes like regret.)
4) Add pasta water
Stir in about 2 tablespoons of the hot pasta water. This is the tiny trick that makes the sauce cling like it was born for these noodles.
5) Toss it all together
Drain the noodles, then add them to the skillet along with:
- Parmesan
- Parsley
Toss until the cheese melts and everything looks glossy and coated.
6) Season + serve immediately
Taste and season with salt and lots of pepper. Serve right away while it’s hot and dreamy.
Mounia’s Cozy Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the pasta water. It helps the butter and cheese turn into a silky sauce instead of a slippery puddle.
- Use fresh grated parmesan. The pre-shredded stuff is coated to prevent clumping… and it also prevents that perfect melt.
- Watch your garlic like a hawk. Garlic goes from “heavenly” to “why does it smell like sadness?” in seconds.
- Pepper is your best friend. It gives the buttery sauce a little kick that keeps it from tasting flat.
- Want extra saucy noodles? Add another splash of pasta water at the end and toss again.
If your sauce looks a little thick, don’t panic—it’s not a problem, it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
This dish has saved me on those weeks when life feels like one long to-do list with no “done” button. You know the kind—laundry piles up, everyone’s hungry at the exact same time, and somehow you’re also supposed to be a calm, thriving adult?
That’s when I reach for Garlic Butter Noodles. It’s fast, it’s cozy, and it makes the kitchen smell like something wonderful is happening—even if the rest of the house looks like a tornado made a snack stop.
Easy Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Noodles
These noodles are a star on their own, but they also play nice with others:
- As a side: roasted chicken, steak, salmon, or even simple sautéed shrimp.
- As a main: add a handful of spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli.
- For picky eaters: keep it simple—just butter, garlic, parmesan. Total win.
- For a “fancy but not really” vibe: a squeeze of lemon and extra parmesan on top.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Noodles
Can I use a different pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely. Egg noodles are the cozy classic here, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or rotini work too. Just keep that pasta water trick.
How do I keep the garlic from burning?
Use medium heat, stir constantly, and cook just until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes). If your pan runs hot, lower the heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can reheat it. Add a splash of water (or a tiny bit more butter) when warming to bring the sauce back to life.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water.
Can I add protein or veggies?
Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms are great. For veggies, try spinach, peas, broccoli, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
Let’s Make Weeknights Feel Easier
If you need a simple win—something warm, fast, and guaranteed to make everyone happy—Garlic Butter Noodles are it. They’re buttery, garlicky, and ridiculously comforting, with just enough parmesan to make you feel like you ordered from a cozy little restaurant instead of cooking in your own kitchen.
Make a bowl, grab a fork, and enjoy that “I actually fed everyone” feeling. And if you end up eating it straight from the skillet… well, welcome to the club.
More Cozy Recipes to Try Next
If these Garlic Butter Noodles just made your day a little easier (and a lot more delicious), don’t stop here—I’ve got a few more cozy favorites that bring the same “warm dinner, happy people” energy:
- Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles for busy weeknights — sweet, savory, and wonderfully slurpable when you want noodles with a little extra oomph.
- Slow Cooker Korean Beef Noodles (set-it-and-forget-it goodness) — tender beef + saucy noodles, aka the kind of dinner that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?”
- Shrimp Tortellini in Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce — creamy, bright, and garlicky in the best way (perfect for a “treat yourself” dinner).
- Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef — a heartier pasta moment when you want comfort food that sticks with you (in a good way).
If you try this recipe (or any of these), I’d love to hear what you think! Scroll down and leave a ★★★★★ review—your stars and comments help other home cooks find their next favorite dinner and truly mean the world to me.
Garlic Butter Noodles
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Buttery, garlicky Garlic Butter Noodles tossed with parmesan and parsley—an easy 15-minute comfort-food side (or quick dinner in a pinch).
Ingredients
12 oz egg noodles
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp hot pasta water (reserved)
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (from a block)
2 tbsp chopped parsley (Italian or curly)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste (be generous)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.
When the noodles are about 5 minutes from done, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, just until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Stir in 2 tablespoons of hot pasta water.
Drain the noodles and add them to the skillet. Add parmesan and parsley.
Toss until the cheese melts and the noodles are coated. Season with salt and lots of black pepper. Serve right away.
Notes
Freshly grated parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Pasta water helps the sauce cling—don’t skip it.
If it looks a little dry, add 1–2 more tablespoons pasta water and toss again.
Best served immediately, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or a small pat of butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish (or Quick Dinner)
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 458 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg (plus added salt to taste)
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg