Garlic Butter Tender Noodles

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 7 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

→ Garlic Butter

02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter

03 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

04 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

05 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more for pasta water

07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing

08 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

09 - Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.

02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using; sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

03 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with garlic butter. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

04 - Stir in parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to combine all flavors.

05 - Divide noodles between bowls. Top with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It's ready in 15 minutes, which means you can satisfy a craving without any real planning or stress.
The simplicity means the quality of each ingredient actually matters, so this is your permission to use really good butter.
There's something deeply soothing about a warm bowl of noodles coated in buttery garlic—it feels both indulgent and honest.

02 -

Don't brown the garlic—it will taste bitter and ruin the whole thing, so keep the heat at medium-low and stay present in the kitchen.
That reserved pasta water is essential; it helps the butter emulsify and coat the noodles instead of sliding off into a puddle at the bottom of the bowl.
Serve this immediately because garlic butter noodles cool quickly and lose their appeal once they sit—speed is part of the pleasure here.

03 -