Garlic Noodles
Garlic Noodles are a simple, flavorful, and fast-to-make dish featuring tender noodles tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with soy and Parmesan, garnished with fresh green onions. Perfect for customizable comfort food that suits any occasion, this recipe delivers a deliciously aromatic and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian fusion
- Diet: Can be gluten-free (with gluten-free noodles) or vegan (with substitutions)
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or egg noodles
- 4–6 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Optional Variations
- Red pepper flakes or sriracha, to taste (for a spicy twist)
- Grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu (for protein boost)
- Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach (for vegetable upgrade)
- Rice noodles or gluten-free pasta (for gluten-free version)
- Olive oil instead of butter (for lighter version)
- Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan (for vegan version)
- Cook the Noodles: Begin by boiling your noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water to help mix the sauce later.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and cook gently, stirring continuously until fragrant and golden but not burnt, unlocking a rich garlicky aroma.
- Combine Sauce and Noodles: Add soy sauce to the garlic butter mixture, then toss in the cooked noodles. Stir continuously to coat the noodles evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles perfectly.
- Finish with Cheese and Green Onions: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles. Stir until the cheese melts and creates a creamy texture. Garnish with sliced green onions to add freshness and a slight crunch before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh minced garlic instead of powder for the best flavor and aroma.
- Cook noodles al dente to avoid mushy texture and ensure proper sauce absorption.
- Choose high-quality unsalted butter to enhance richness without overpowering the garlic.
- Reserve some pasta water; its starch helps bind the sauce and creates a silky finish.
- Cook garlic at moderate heat and stir constantly to prevent burning and bitterness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: garlic noodles, easy noodles, garlic butter noodles, Asian noodles, comfort food, quick meal