Parmesan Noodles

Parmesan Noodles are a quick, 25-minute dish made with buttery garlic, freshly grated parmesan, and your favorite pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a simple dish for kids.

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Parmesan noodles are the perfect answer to a quick and flavorful side dish that never fails to impress. This recipe is simple yet packed with rich, savory flavor from freshly grated parmesan cheese. The secret lies in the balance of buttery goodness and a hint of garlic that coats every strand of pasta, turning a basic dish into something truly special.

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MAIN INGREDIENTS: Pasta, parmesan cheese, butter, garlic.

QUICK STEPS: Cook the pasta until al dente, melt butter and sauté garlic, toss the pasta with butter, garlic, and parmesan, garnish with parsley and serve.

TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 25 minutes, Yield: 4 servings.

WHY OUR RECIPE: Even though this parmesan noodles recipe is simple, the exact ratios of ingredients make all the difference. Our recipe developers meticulously tested the balance of butter, garlic, and parmesan to create a sauce that’s rich but not greasy, and perfectly creamy.

Too much or too little of any ingredient can throw off the texture and flavor, so getting it just right is key. This attention to detail ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, making it far more than just another simple pasta dish.

PRO TIP: For a deeper, nuttier flavor, toast the parmesan in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding it to the noodles. This quick step enhances the cheese’s richness and adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Parmesan Noodles Ingredients

These butter noodles with parmesan are a breeze to make, and they pack a punch of flavor in every bite. With just a handful of ingredients and 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve your family.

Garlic Parmesan Noodles Substitutions and Additions

Angel Hair Pasta: You can substitute with any type of noodle you have on hand, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Egg noodles provide a flavorful option.

Minced Garlic: Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch. Use a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.

For a more robust flavor, try adding roasted garlic.

Parmesan Cheese: Swap with parmigiano reggiano, romano, or asiago cheese.

Freshly Chopped Parsley: Basil, oregano, or thyme can be used instead of fresh parsley. If using dried herbs, use about half the amount called for fresh. Or omit the herbs altogether.

Kosher Salt: Sea salt or table salt can be used as a substitute. If using table salt, use a bit less since it is finer and more concentrated.

Red Pepper Flakes: For less spice, omit the red pepper flakes. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot chili flakes.

Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: White pepper can be used for a milder flavor.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: You can skip the olive oil or substitute it with another oil like canola or grapeseed oil.

How To Make This Parmesan Noodles Recipe

Parmesan Noodles is an easy pasta recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or when you need a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. It’s also one of those easy side dish recipes the entire family will love. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide with photos to help you prepare this delicious dish in just 25 minutes.

STEP ONE: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Measure out your butter, chop the garlic finely, grate the parmesan cheese, and chop the parsley. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

PRO TIP: We recommend using freshly grated cheese when making this simple recipe. Pre-grated parmesan cheese doesn’t melt well and won’t incorporate as well into the pasta.

STEP TWO: Boil your your dry angel hair pasta in a large pot of water according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. This typically takes about four to five minutes for angel hair pasta.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

PRO TIP: You can reserve a bit of your pasta water and incorporate it into your finished pasta if it becomes a bit dry. Add a few tablespoons at a time and saute over the heat until incorporated.

STEP THREE: Add the salted butter to a 10 to 12-inch skillet and melt it over medium-low heat. 

PRO TIP: Be sure not to let the butter brown, or the butter will become too sweet.

STEP FOUR: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for about one minute until the garlic is aromatic but not browned.

PRO TIP: Burning the garlic will give your pasta a bitter flavor, so make sure the heat isn’t too high, and keep stirring it together with the butter.

STEP FIVE: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic and butter. Use tongs to toss the pasta until it is completely coated with the garlic butter mixture.

STEP SIX: Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the pasta. Add the freshly chopped parsley, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated. Remove the skillet from heat.

STEP SEVEN: Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes over the pasta.

STEP EIGHT: Before serving, you can sprinkle more freshly grated parmesan cheese on top if desired. 

Troubleshooting

We developed all our recipes with the expertise of our recipe developers, who have years of experience in the culinary industry. This helps to guarantee your recipe is will work out just like you hope! 

However, since all appliances and ingredients can cause variations in our recipe, our team has compiled some helpful advice to guide you:

• Be careful not to overcook your pasta. If it cooks for too long, it can become mushy. Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot garlic and butter.
• Sometimes the cheese may clump together rather than melting smoothly. Grate the cheese finely (with the finest side of your grater, or with a zester) and add it gradually, tossing continuously to help it melt evenly.
• Cooking this dish too hot can cause the butter to separate. Don’t overheat the butter.

How To Serve Buttered Noodles With Parmesan

This delicious butter and parmesan pasta is a great dish for picky eaters. Pasta lovers will adore the simplicity of this meatless dinner option, and it’s a wonderful, cheesy comfort food that’s easy to make for dinner tonight, or to serve as a delicious side dish with you main entree.

Add Protein: You can easily dress up this recipe with protein, such as grilled chicken, sauteed shrimp or meatballs, can be added on top for a quick and easy meal. Cook them separately, then toss together with the pasta at the end.

Incorporate Vegetables: Incorporate sauteed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli. Add the cooked vegetables just before you mix in the cheese and seasonings.

Make a Pasta Salad: Chill the cooked noodles and toss them with some fresh vegetables, a bit of Italian dressing, and extra parmesan cheese for a delicious pasta salad. Perfect for a light lunch or a potluck. 

Sides and Pairings: This pasta is perfect with a vibrant salad, like our Olive Garden copycat salad recipe. A warm slice of garlic bread complements these butter parmesan noodles perfectly.

Serve with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a bottle of cold sparkling water.

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How To Store Leftover Parmesan Buttered Noodles

MAKE AHEAD: You can make butter and cheese pasta ahead of time. Prepare the dish as instructed, then let it cool completely before storing. This makes it a great option for meal prep or planning for a busy week.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store the cooked noodles in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: Spaghetti with butter and parmesan can also be frozen for longer storage. Place the cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They will keep well for up to two months. Thaw the noodles in the fridge overnight before reheating.

HOW TO REHEAT: To reheat these simple, cheesy noodles, you have several options:

• Microwave: Place the noodles in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little butter or olive oil, and toss the noodles until they are warmed through. You may need to add a touch of pasta water or chicken stock to thin the dish and add a touch of moisture.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the noodles in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Why These Parmesan Noodles Are The Best

Parmesan Noodles are a staple in our kitchen for so many reasons. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also offer a comforting and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Simple and Quick: This recipe takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Kid-Friendly: Kids (even picky eaters) love these noodles with parmesan cheese because they are simple, buttery, and cheesy. 

Affordable: The ingredients for cheese and butter pasta are simple and budget-friendly. Most of the items, like pasta, butter, and parmesan, are pantry staples.

Great for Entertaining: When you need a dish that’s sure to impress but doesn’t require a lot of effort, Parmesan Noodles with plenty of cheese and fresh herbs are the way to go.

Parmesan Noodles are a quick and easy dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. Enjoy them as a versatile addition to your dinner rotation.

More Noodle Side Dishes You’ll Love

• Thai Noodles
• Peanut Noodles
• Zucchini Noodles
• Ramen Noodle Salad
• Garlic Sesame Noodles

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Parmesan Noodles

5 from 1 vote

Parmesan Noodles are a quick, 25-minute dish made with buttery garlic, freshly grated parmesan, and your favorite pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a simple dish for kids.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 4

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Ingredients

  

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• 8 ounces dry angel hair pasta, or your favorite pasta
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1½ tablespoons minced garlic, finely minced (or about 4 cloves of garlic)
• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish if desired (you can substitute parmigiano reggiano, romano, or asiago cheese)
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, optional drizzle
• ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional for extra heat

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, cooking to al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Add the butter to a 10 to 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat.
• Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly until the garlic is aromatic, about 1 minute. (Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will cause the garlic to taste bitter.)
• Add the cooked pasta to the garlic and butter in the skillet. Use tongs to toss the pasta until completely coated.
• Sprinkle the freshly grated cheese, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Toss to combine completely. Remove the pan from the heat. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle the red pepper flakes if desired. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• We recommend using freshly grated cheese when making this simple recipe. Pre-grated parmesan cheese doesn’t melt well and won’t incorporate as well into the pasta.
• You can reserve a bit of your pasta water and incorporate it into your finished pasta if it becomes a bit dry. Add a few tablespoons at a time and saute over the heat until incorporated.
• Be sure not to let the butter brown, or the butter will become too sweet, or even taste burnt.
• Burning the garlic will give your pasta a bitter flavor, so make sure the heat isn’t too high, and keep stirring it together with the butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 426kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 714mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 616IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 189mg | Iron: 1mg

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