If you love bold flavors and comforting pasta dishes, you are in for a treat with this Garlic Noodles with Parmesan and Green Onions Recipe. It’s a fantastic combination of buttery garlic richness, savory soy sauce, and nutty Parmesan cheese all tossed with tender noodles and brightened by fresh green onions. This recipe is incredibly easy to make yet somehow manages to feel like a special occasion dish every time. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty side for your next get-together, these garlic noodles deliver that perfect balance of cozy and flavorful that just keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays an essential role in creating the irresistible taste and texture of this dish. From the fragrant fresh garlic that forms the soul of the sauce to the sharpness of Parmesan and the fresh pop from green onions, every element contributes to a melody of flavors and colors.
- Spaghetti or Egg Noodles (about 8 oz): Choose your favorite to soak up all the garlicky goodness perfectly.
- Fresh Garlic (4-6 cloves, minced): The heart of the dish that provides a fragrant, savory punch.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds rich creaminess and helps carry the garlic flavor through the sauce.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a salty umami depth that balances the butter and cheese.
- Olive Oil or Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruity or nutty note that elevates the flavor complexity.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Provides a salty, nutty finish and creamy texture that melds everything beautifully.
- Green Onions (2, chopped): Offers freshness and a slight bite to brighten every forkful.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional, to taste): For those who enjoy a little fiery kick to balance the richness.
How to Make Garlic Noodles with Parmesan and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti or egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are perfectly al dente, meaning tender but still with a slight bite. Drain them well, but don’t forget to save about a quarter cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will be a secret ingredient in helping to loosen up your sauce later and give it that silky gloss.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the noodles cook, melt the butter gently in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced fresh garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and turns a beautiful golden hue—be careful not to let it burn, which would make it bitter. This simple garlic butter forms the luxurious base of your sauce, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.
Step 3: Combine the Noodles and Sauce
Immediately add the drained noodles to your skillet with the fragrant garlic butter. Toss everything together so that every strand of noodle is coated in that flavorful butter. Pour in the soy sauce and drizzle with olive or sesame oil to enhance layers of flavor. Stir thoroughly to combine. If the texture feels too thick or sticky, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This little trick makes the sauce glossy and helps it cling perfectly to each noodle.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Garnish
Remove your skillet from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles. Toss gently so that the warmth helps the cheese melt slightly, enrobing the pasta in creamy, salty goodness. Finally, scatter the chopped green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top to add freshness, color, and a bit of an exciting spark. Now, your Garlic Noodles with Parmesan and Green Onions Recipe is ready to serve and enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Garlic Noodles with Parmesan and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Crispy fried garlic chips on top can offer delightful texture contrast and enhance the garlic flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a heartier, protein-packed dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Garlic Noodles with Parmesan and Green Onions Recipe in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. For gatherings, serve in a large pasta bowl with extra Parmesan on the side so everyone can add as much as they want.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them from drying out, add a little bit of olive oil or reserved pasta water before sealing.
Freezing
Freezing garlic noodles is not ideal as the texture of the noodles changes when thawed, but if you must, place the noodles in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the sauce and prevent drying. Microwaving works too, but stir occasionally to heat evenly and maintain that perfect, glossy coating on the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and egg noodles work beautifully, feel free to experiment with linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free varieties—you just want noodles that hold sauce well and have a nice texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter and a plant-based Parmesan alternative, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Also, make sure to use tamari or a vegan soy sauce.
How can I adjust the garlic intensity?
Simply adjust the number of garlic cloves according to your preference. If you love garlic, add more, or reduce if you prefer a milder taste. Just be sure not to overcook the garlic so it doesn’t become bitter.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
It’s best to make the garlic butter sauce fresh when serving to preserve the vibrant garlic flavor and aroma, but you can prep minced garlic in advance for quicker cooking.
What can I do if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago can work as excellent substitutes. They offer a similar salty, nutty flavor that complements the garlic sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Noodles with Parmesan and Green Onions Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a comforting hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to impress guests with its luscious flavor and elegant simplicity. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a go—you might just find your new favorite noodle dish that’s quick, delicious, and endlessly satisfying!
Print
Garlic Noodles with Parmesan and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy Garlic Noodles featuring tender spaghetti or egg noodles tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, enhanced with soy sauce, olive or sesame oil, and topped with Parmesan cheese and green onions. Perfect as a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz Spaghetti or Egg Noodles
Sauce
- 4–6 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Sesame Oil
Toppings
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Green Onions, chopped
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles well, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for adjusting the sauce later if needed.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently, stirring constantly to avoid burning, until it becomes fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, creating a flavorful garlic-infused butter base.
- Combine the Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained noodles directly to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss the noodles to coat them evenly with the sauce. Pour in the soy sauce and drizzle the olive or sesame oil over the noodles, stirring well to blend all the flavors.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the noodle mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water gradually to reach a smooth, glossy, and silky texture, ensuring the noodles are perfectly coated.
- Finish with Cheese and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles. Toss gently to allow the cheese to melt into the sauce evenly. Finally, scatter the chopped green onions and red pepper flakes (if using) on top for color and a slight kick of flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Adjust the number of garlic cloves according to your preference for stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- Use olive oil for a lighter flavor or sesame oil for a nutty, richer taste.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice gentle heat to the dish.
- Reserve pasta water to help achieve the desired sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
