Garlic Herb Buttered Noodles

$To make Garlic Herb Buttered Noodles, you will need the following items: - 8 oz. egg noodles or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving When choosing ingredients, I like to recommend brands that ensure great taste. For butter, I prefer brands like Kerrygold or Land O'Lakes. They provide rich flavor and smooth texture. For pasta, Barilla or De Cecco are excellent choices. They cook evenly and hold sauce well. For the best garlic flavor, look for fresh garlic from your local market. This makes a big difference in taste. If you need to adjust the recipe, here are some easy swaps: - Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if you need it to be gluten-free. - Butter: Swap unsalted butter with olive oil for a dairy-free option. - Herbs: Fresh herbs can replace dried ones. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs. - Cheese: Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a vegan option. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 8 ounces of egg noodles or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until the noodles are al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the noodles in a colander. Remember to save about half a cup of that pasta water. You’ll use it later. Next, grab a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Watch it melt until it's slightly bubbly. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it to be fragrant and lightly golden. This is where the magic starts. Now, add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil to the skillet. If you like a little heat, you can also add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything well and let the herbs cook for about 30 seconds. This helps the flavors mix into the butter. After the garlic and herbs are ready, it’s time for the noodles. Toss the drained noodles into the skillet. If your noodles seem dry, pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together, coating the noodles with the garlic herb butter. Now, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped parsley for that fresh touch. Give everything one last toss. Make sure the flavors blend well. Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the noodles right away. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Herb Buttered Noodles! To cook pasta perfectly, start with a big pot of salted water. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. This step adds flavor and helps the pasta taste better. Bring the water to a full boil before adding your noodles. Stir the pasta right away to prevent it from sticking. Follow the cooking time on the package for best results. It’s key to cook the noodles until they are al dente, which means they should have a slight bite. After draining, save some pasta water for later. You can make your garlic herb buttered noodles even tastier. Try adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrients. For a kick, toss in more red pepper flakes. You can also include proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. If you love cheese, mix in some cream cheese or mozzarella for a rich flavor. Fresh herbs, like basil or chives, can brighten the dish. Feel free to experiment and find what you like best! For great texture, don’t overcook your noodles. If they become too soft, they might lose their shape. After cooking, rinse the noodles briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. When you combine the noodles with the garlic herb butter, make sure to add a bit of reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Toss everything gently to avoid breaking the noodles. Perfect texture makes your dish not only taste good but also look appealing! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give your dish a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options. Always opt for fresh to enhance the aroma and taste of your garlic herb butter. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce. If your noodles seem dry, add a little reserved water to achieve the desired consistency. Herb Variations: Feel free to mix and match herbs based on your preference. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a hint of sage can elevate the dish and provide a unique flavor profile. Parmesan Alternatives: If you don't have Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different twist. Each cheese brings its own distinct flavor that complements the garlic butter beautifully. {{image_2}} If you want a vegetarian dish, this recipe is great! Use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the noodles. You can also add more herbs for extra flavor. Try using fresh basil or thyme. You can swap the Parmesan cheese for a plant-based version to keep it vegan. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Rice noodles or quinoa pasta work well. The cooking time may change, so check the package. The garlic herb butter stays the same, making the dish just as tasty. Boost the dish by adding proteins or veggies. Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp pairs nicely. You could also add peas, spinach, or broccoli for color and nutrition. Cook the vegetables first, then add them when mixing the noodles. This makes a hearty meal that everyone will love! Store leftover garlic herb buttered noodles in an airtight container. Let them cool to room temperature first. Place them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you have Parmesan cheese on top, remove it before storing. It can get clumpy when stored. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to help steam the noodles. Stir gently until they are hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Keep an eye on them to avoid drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze the noodles. Pack them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They will keep well for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as directed above, adding a little water if needed. This will help bring back that fresh flavor. Yes, you can use other pasta types. I recommend penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Each type will change the dish’s feel a bit. Choose a shape you love. Just remember to cook it until it's al dente. This ensures a great texture. To add heat, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh chili peppers. Sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor. If you like a kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or spicy oil at the end. Adjust it to your taste! For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or coconut oil. You can also try vegan butter. Both will give a nice flavor. If you want a richer taste, use ghee. It adds a deep, nutty flavor that works well in this dish. This blog post covered how to create a tasty pasta dish. I shared key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned about variations to fit diets and how to store leftovers. Use quality brands and plan substitutions for your needs. With these guidelines, you can enjoy delicious pasta every time. Explore your options and have fun experimenting in the kitchen. Your cooking will improve, and so will the joy of sharing meals with others. Enjoy your culinary journey!$

Garlic Herb Buttered Noodles

A delicious and easy pasta dish tossed in a garlic herb butter sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz egg noodles or spaghetti
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste Salt and pepper
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbly, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
Add in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine, allowing the herbs to release their flavor into the butter for about 30 seconds.
Toss the drained noodles into the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water if needed for moisture. Stir well to coat the noodles evenly with the garlic herb butter.
Season with salt, pepper, and the chopped parsley. Give it one last toss to combine everything thoroughly. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

Plate the noodles in a large serving bowl, twirling them with a fork to create a nest-like appearance. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Keyword butter, garlic, herbs, pasta