Description
Garlic Noodles are a culinary delight that can turn a simple meal into a gourmet experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Start by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water — this is crucial for flavoring the pasta. Carefully drop in the 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to package directions until it reaches the al dente stage, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Remember, it’s better to taste the noodles as they cook to ensure they don’t become overdone. Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt, swirling the pan gently to help the butter cover the base evenly. Once the butter has melted and is starting to sizzle, pique your senses by adding the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes or until it becomes fragrant, but take care not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Next, to enhance the flavors, pour in the 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir these ingredients together until the sugar has completely dissolved in the mixture. This sweet and savory combination is what makes the garlic noodles truly stand out!
- Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully add the drained spaghetti into the skillet. Use tongs or a fork to gently toss and coat the noodles in the buttery garlic sauce. If you find that the noodles seem a bit dry, now is the time to add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency. The sauce should cling to the spaghetti perfectly!
- Once the noodles are well combined with the sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and, if you like an extra kick, the 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Continue tossing the noodles until they are evenly coated and glossy, allowing the cheese to melt and infuse into the dish.
- Serve your garlic noodles hot from the skillet, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Your plate will not only be a feast for the tummy but for the eyes as well!
Notes
Timing is key for the best texture. Don’t skimp on reserving enough pasta water!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Protein: 15 g