Garlic Noodles

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If there’s one dish I always return to when I want something fast, comforting, and downright delicious, it’s Garlic Noodles. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water—garlicky, buttery, and just the right amount of heat. I started making this simple noodle dish during busy weeknights when I didn’t want to sacrifice flavor for speed. And honestly, it’s been a game-changer.

This version of Garlic Noodles is deeply satisfying, with golden garlic gently sautéed in butter and oil, tangled up with spaghetti and finished with a hit of umami from soy sauce and Parmesan. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or surprising someone with a cozy meal, these noodles hit the spot every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Noodles Recipe

Garlic Noodles are an irresistible balance of savory, buttery, and garlicky flavors with minimal ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that proves comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. You’ll love it because:

• It’s ready in under 20 minutes.
• You likely already have everything in your pantry.
• It can be a standalone meal or a base for add-ins like shrimp, chicken, or veggies.
• It’s incredibly flavorful for such a simple dish.

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What Type of Noodles Work Best for Garlic Noodles?

I typically use spaghetti for its perfect texture and bite, but you’re not limited to it. Egg noodles are a classic choice if you want something a bit more traditional with an Asian twist. Udon adds a nice chewiness, while rice noodles give a gluten-free option without sacrificing the garlicky richness. The key is to choose noodles that can soak up the sauce without turning mushy.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the beauties of Garlic Noodles is how flexible they are. Here are a few smart swaps you can make:

• Butter: You can use ghee or olive oil if you’re avoiding dairy. Vegan butter also works well.
• Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos can replace it if you need a gluten-free or soy-free version.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast gives a similar umami kick if you’re keeping things plant-based.
• Garlic: While fresh is best, garlic paste or even roasted garlic offers a slightly different but still delicious profile.
• Chili Flakes: Not a fan of heat? Skip them or use a milder option like paprika for a bit of color and depth.

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Ingredients for This Garlic Noodles Recipe

• Spaghetti – This is the foundation of the dish. It holds the sauce well and delivers that perfect bite every time. You can swap it out for egg noodles or any long pasta you prefer.
• Garlic – The star of the show. Freshly minced garlic infuses the oil and butter, giving the noodles their signature bold flavor.
• Butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, helping the noodles glisten and taste indulgent.
• Olive Oil – Used alongside butter to keep the garlic from burning and to create a luscious base for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce – Adds a deep umami flavor and a slight saltiness that balances beautifully with the garlic and butter.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the warm noodles for an extra layer of savory goodness.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Bring just a touch of heat that cuts through the richness. You can adjust to taste.
• Fresh Parsley – Adds a burst of color and freshness right before serving, balancing the dish with a bit of brightness.

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Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

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Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté gently, stirring constantly, for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

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Step 3: Add the Seasoning

Stir in the soy sauce and red pepper flakes, letting the flavors meld for about 30 seconds. If the skillet feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water.

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Step 4: Toss in the Noodles

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand with the garlic sauce. If needed, pour in a bit more pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling.

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Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, and toss again until it melts into the noodles. Plate and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and an extra pinch of Parmesan, if you like.

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How Long to Cook the Garlic Noodles

The entire cooking process takes about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish. Boiling the pasta takes the most time—usually around 8–10 minutes. The garlic sauce comes together in just a few minutes, and tossing everything together is quick and effortless. It’s a fast dish with a big payoff.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Noodles

• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Keep your heat moderate and stir constantly. Burned garlic turns bitter and can overpower the dish.
• Use Reserved Pasta Water Wisely: A splash helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles and gives a silky finish.
• Grate the Parmesan Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Freshly grated melts much better.
• Toss While Hot: Combine everything while the noodles are still hot so the cheese melts and the flavors bind properly.
• Taste Before Serving: Depending on your soy sauce and Parmesan, you may not need additional salt.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Noodles: They should be al dente so they don’t get mushy when tossed in the sauce.
• Using Too Much Oil or Butter: It should coat, not drown, the noodles. Balance is key.
• Skipping Pasta Water: It’s crucial for binding the sauce to the noodles and adding that glossy finish.
• Adding Cheese Too Early: If you sprinkle Parmesan while the pan is too hot, it might clump instead of melting smoothly.
• Not Stirring the Garlic Constantly: Garlic burns fast. Keep it moving to avoid bitterness.

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What to Serve With Garlic Noodles?

Grilled Shrimp

The sweet, smoky flavor of grilled shrimp pairs beautifully with garlicky noodles and adds a protein boost.

Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs

Juicy, golden-brown chicken makes this a more filling and balanced meal.

Steamed or Roasted Broccoli

A pop of green and a bit of crunch make this veggie a great contrast.

Asian-Style Slaw

Crunchy, tangy slaw brings freshness and helps balance the richness of the noodles.

Fried Egg

Top your noodles with a crispy-edged, runny-yolk egg for a quick upgrade.

Spring Rolls

Whether veggie or shrimp, these make a great side or appetizer.

Miso Soup

Light and warming, this broth-based soup makes a gentle pairing.

Chili-Garlic Tofu

For a plant-based protein with bold flavor, spicy tofu is a natural fit.

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Storage Instructions

Garlic Noodles store well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent the noodles from drying out. Reheat gently over medium heat on the stove or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Avoid freezing—while technically possible, the texture of the noodles and sauce can change and become less pleasant after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Cholesterol: 30mg

These numbers may vary slightly depending on specific brands and portion sizes, especially with toppings or added proteins.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor and texture, but in a pinch, garlic powder can work. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Are Garlic Noodles spicy?

Not inherently—only mildly spicy from the red pepper flakes. You can leave them out or increase them if you like more heat.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use olive oil or vegan butter and substitute nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan for the cheese.

What protein goes well with Garlic Noodles?

Shrimp, chicken, tofu, or even a fried egg all complement the rich garlic flavor beautifully.

Can I use gluten-free noodles?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles, and be sure to choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Do I need to rinse the noodles after boiling?

No—don’t rinse. The starch on the noodles helps the sauce cling better.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add a tablespoon of heavy cream or a splash of pasta water when tossing the noodles with cheese.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! Just skip the chili flakes if your kids prefer milder food.

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Conclusion

Garlic Noodles prove that the simplest ingredients can make the most satisfying dishes. With buttery garlic, a kick of umami, and a silky sauce coating every strand, it’s a recipe I come back to again and again. Whether you’re making a solo dinner or a shareable side, this dish never disappoints. Try it once, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

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