Garlic Noodles

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I can never resist a bowl of my homemade Garlic Noodles. Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded of how a few humble ingredients can create such an irresistible plate of comfort food. There’s something magical about the way the butter melts into the noodles, carrying the aroma of toasted garlic through the kitchen. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again, whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing with friends.

What I love most about Garlic Noodles is how quickly it comes together. Even on the busiest of nights, I know I can whip this up in less than 20 minutes and still feel like I’m treating myself to something special. Over time, I’ve perfected the balance of salty, savory, and umami flavors that make this dish so memorable.

If you’ve enjoyed some of my other creamy pasta dishes like the Marry Me Chicken Pasta or my Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts, you’re going to fall in love with this one too. It’s simple yet elegant, and always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Noodles Recipe

Garlic Noodles are the perfect blend of quick and comforting. You’ll love how easy it is to make with pantry staples you probably already have. The rich buttery sauce clings to each strand of pasta, and the garlic gives it an irresistible depth of flavor. It’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or enjoy as a main course, and you can easily dress it up with shrimp, chicken, or vegetables if you’d like. Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

Pasta – This is the base of the dish, and you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even angel hair. It’s the canvas that soaks up all the garlicky, buttery goodness.

Butter – Rich and creamy, butter forms the foundation of the sauce and makes it luxuriously smooth.

Garlic – The star of the show, garlic adds bold, fragrant flavor that defines this recipe.

Soy sauce – A splash of soy sauce brings umami and saltiness to balance the richness.

Oyster sauce – This ingredient deepens the flavor with its savory-sweet complexity.

Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty note that ties everything together.

Green onions – For a fresh pop of color and mild oniony bite to finish the dish.

How to Make Garlic Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, but reserve about half a cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Add Sauces

Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing well with the butter and garlic.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy every garlicky bite.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can easily adjust Garlic Noodles to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. If you prefer a milder flavor, cut down on the garlic or roast it beforehand for a sweeter, nuttier taste. For a vegan version, swap the butter with plant-based butter and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast. You can also experiment with different noodles like soba, udon, or even rice noodles to give it a new twist. If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or even a splash of fish sauce can work in its place.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Garlic Noodles shine as a main dish but are equally wonderful as a side. Pair them with grilled shrimp, teriyaki chicken, or a juicy steak for a hearty meal. They also go beautifully alongside lighter dishes like steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. I love serving them with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to bring back the sauciness. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat pasta for Garlic Noodles?

Yes, whole wheat pasta works well if you prefer a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just cook it to al dente to keep it from getting mushy.

Are Garlic Noodles good with added protein?

Absolutely! Garlic Noodles are delicious with shrimp, chicken, tofu, or even thin slices of beef added right into the skillet.

How can I make Garlic Noodles less salty?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and go lighter on the Parmesan to keep the saltiness in check.

Can I freeze Garlic Noodles?

I don’t recommend freezing, as the noodles can lose their texture and the sauce may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days stored in the fridge.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you can’t get enough of savory, comforting flavors, you’ll also love my Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta. It’s another easy weeknight dinner packed with rich, garlicky notes and a creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.

Save and Share This Garlic Noodles Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to pin this Garlic Noodles recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it easily next time you’re craving a quick and comforting meal. Share it with your friends and family on social media too — you never know who else might be looking for their next go-to pasta dish! Every share helps others discover this simple yet irresistible recipe.

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