Pin it
My 20-Minute Parmesan Garlic Noodles
Some nights I just need a quick pasta dish that everyone will love. These creamy Parmesan garlic noodles have become my go-to recipe when time is short but I still want something delicious. The combination of golden garlic butter and melty Parmesan creates the most incredible sauce that coats each strand of pasta perfectly.
A Simple Recipe That Brings Us Together
My little one asks for these noodles almost every week now. Growing up in Malaysia I used to cook with lots of spices and heat but becoming a mom changed my cooking style completely. These garlic noodles might be simple but watching my 4-year-old's face light up when he smells them cooking makes them special in their own way.
Everything You Need
- Spaghetti: Cook to al dente for the perfect texture.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Prevents butter from burning and adds depth.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic creates a bold, aromatic base.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: The key to a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Salt: Adjust to taste to enhance the flavors.
- Grated Cheddar Cheese: Optional for an extra cheesy touch.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Making Your Noodles
- Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Saute the Garlic
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until slightly browned and aromatic.
- Toss the Noodles
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Stir to coat the noodles evenly with the garlic butter mixture. Season with salt to taste.
- Add Cheese and Garnish
- Turn off the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Garnish with grated Cheddar cheese and parsley before serving.
Pin it
Ways to Serve It
These noodles work beautifully with so many dishes. Last night I served them with my ginger garlic chicken and the whole family cleaned their plates. Sometimes I'll add some roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach right into the pasta. The leftovers make a great lunch the next day too.
A Recipe Worth Keeping
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a few everyday ingredients transform into something truly comforting. The garlic gets perfectly golden the Parmesan melts into a creamy sauce and suddenly dinner is ready. My kitchen always fills with the most amazing aroma when I make this and that alone makes it worth cooking again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of pasta?
While the recipe uses spaghetti or linguine, you can use any pasta shape you have. Just cook it al dente and toss well with the sauce.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a covered container in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil to refresh the sauce and prevent sticking.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
This pasta tastes best fresh when the sauce is hot and cheese is melty. If needed, you can cook the pasta ahead and toss with olive oil, then make the sauce fresh when ready to serve.
- → Why use two kinds of cheese?
The parmesan melts into the sauce for rich flavor, while the cheddar adds a nice sharp taste on top. Together they create more depth of flavor.
- → Can I add other ingredients?
Try adding crushed red pepper for heat or the suggested oyster sauce for an Asian twist. Fresh herbs like basil would also work well in this dish.