Description
This classic Italian Noodles recipe features tender fettuccine or spaghetti tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes and finished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It’s a quick and easy stovetop pasta dish perfect for a simple yet delicious Italian dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti noodles
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the noodles.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Toss Noodles with Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet along with the unsalted butter and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly and allow the sauce to slightly thicken and cling to the noodles.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the noodles for a bright, fresh finish. Serve the pasta warm immediately.
Notes
- Add cooked vegetables or grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
- Substitute Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
