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Easy Lazy Garlic Brown Butter Noodles with Parmesan

garlic brown butter noodles with parmesan - featured image

A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in nutty brown butter, fragrant garlic, and freshly grated parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or thin noodles
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8โ€“9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Before draining, scoop out about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water and set aside.
  3. Drain the pasta in a colander but donโ€™t rinse it to keep the surface starch for better sauce adherence.
  4. While the pasta cooks, melt 6 tablespoons (85 grams) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently. After about 4โ€“5 minutes, it will foam, then start turning golden brown with a nutty aroma. Watch closely and remove from heat immediately once browned.
  5. Just as the butter reaches the perfect brown color, stir in 3 large minced garlic cloves. Sautรฉ for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the brown butter and garlic. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every strand.
  7. If the noodles look dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky and smooth, usually 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml).
  8. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, seasoning lightly at first.
  9. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated parmesan over the noodles. Toss gently until melted and combined.
  10. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Watch the butter carefully as it browns to avoid burning. Add garlic only after the butter is browned to prevent bitterness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Toss noodles gently to keep them intact and evenly coated. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic noodles, brown butter pasta, parmesan noodles, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, Italian pasta