Description

This easy garlic noodle recipe is a perfect weeknight meal, designed for busy families craving hearty, family-friendly comfort food in a flash, offering a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

227 g linguine or spaghetti
6–8 cloves fresh garlic, minced
45 g unsalted butter or 15 ml neutral oil (grapeseed or canola)
30 ml low-sodium soy sauce
15 ml vegetarian oyster sauce (optional)
5 g brown sugar
60 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons scallions or green onions, finely chopped
120 ml reserved pasta water, plus extra as needed
fresh cracked black pepper (optional)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 227 g (8 oz) linguine or spaghetti; cook until al dente, 7-9 minutes. Reserve 120 ml (0.5 cup) pasta water, then drain.
Sauté Garlic: While pasta cooks, in a 10-inch skillet, melt 45 g (3 tbsp) butter (or heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) neutral oil) over medium heat. Add 6-8 cloves minced garlic; cook, stirring, 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. Do not brown.
Make Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add 30 ml (2 tbsp) soy sauce, 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetarian oyster sauce (if using), 5 g (1 tsp) brown sugar, and 30 ml (2 tbsp) reserved pasta water. Whisk until smooth and glossy, about 1 minute.
Combine Noodles: Add drained pasta directly to skillet. Pour in another 30 ml (2 tbsp) reserved pasta water. Using tongs, toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes, letting noodles absorb sauce and create a luscious coating.
Finish Noodles: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 60 g (0.25 cup) freshly grated Parmesan and fresh cracked black pepper until melted. (If sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp reserved pasta water until desired sauciness.)
Serve & Garnish: Serve the noodles immediately. Garnish with the finely chopped scallions or green onions and extra Parmesan for a striking color and fresh aroma. Enjoy.

Notes

For convenience, pre-minced garlic can be used (though fresh is better for ultimate flavor). For dietary needs, consider gluten-free pasta or tamari, dairy-free butter alternatives, or nutritional yeast.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 250 g)
Calories: 700 calories
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 1600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 80 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: weeknight meal, garlic noodle, comfort food, easy dinner, family-friendly, quick, pasta