Creamy Garlic Parmesan Noodles are a quick, comforting dinner made with tender noodles tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. This easy noodle recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick 20-minute dinner
- Creamy and flavorful sauce
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Family-friendly meal
- Perfect as a main dish or side
- Easy to customize
- Great for busy weeknights
Ingredients
- 12 oz noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Noodles
1. Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package directions until tender.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Make the Garlic Sauce
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
3. Add Parmesan
Reduce the heat and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Add a little reserved pasta water and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Combine
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss until every noodle is coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Add more pasta water if the sauce needs a thinner consistency.
5. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Easy Add-Ins
Turn these creamy noodles into a more filling dinner with your favorite ingredients.
Garlic Chicken Noodles
Add sliced cooked chicken for extra protein.
Creamy Shrimp Noodles
Add cooked shrimp with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Vegetable Noodles
Mix in broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers.
Spicy Garlic Noodles
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Tips for the Best Noodles
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Do not let the cream boil aggressively. Gentle heat helps keep the sauce creamy.
Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps loosen and smooth the sauce.
Serve the noodles immediately for the best texture.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Noodles
These noodles pair well with:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted broccoli
- Green salad
- Grilled chicken
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic shrimp
- Steamed green beans
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a small splash of milk, cream, or water and warm gently until creamy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What noodles work best?
Spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, egg noodles, and other long noodles work beautifully with this creamy sauce.
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and add reserved pasta water gradually while stirring.
Can I add chicken?
Yes. Sliced grilled or cooked chicken turns this into a hearty complete meal.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Noodles are an easy comfort-food recipe with tender noodles, buttery garlic, and plenty of Parmesan flavor. They are quick enough for a weeknight dinner and versatile enough to customize with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
Save this recipe to your Pasta board for another easy noodle dinner idea.