You Want Me to Do What to the Buttered Noodles
Prepare to elevate your comfort food game with "You Want Me to Do What to the Buttered Noodles," a decadent twist on a simple classic. This recipe takes buttered noodles to gourmet heights by incorporating nutty browned butter, crispy golden garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Silky strands of spaghetti or fettuccine are coated in a luxurious sauce crafted with reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon zest for brightness. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color, and the crunch of garlic chips provides a satisfying texture in every bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something comforting yet refined. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that’s as indulgent as it is flavorful.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti or fettuccine noodles
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup water (reserved pasta water)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, slice the garlic cloves thinly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced garlic. Cook until the garlic is golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Allow the butter to melt, then cook it until it turns a golden brown color and smells nutty, about 4-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Once the butter is browned, add the red pepper flakes and half of the cracked black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Immediately add the drained pasta to the skillet with the brown butter. Toss to coat the noodles evenly.
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, tossing the noodles constantly to create a silky sauce around the pasta. You may not need the entire cup of pasta water.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and half of the chopped parsley. Toss again to evenly distribute the flavors.
Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and the remaining black pepper. Taste and make sure the noodles are wonderfully balanced.
Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with crispy garlic, the remaining parsley, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Enjoy your gourmet-level buttered noodles with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2788 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 141.3 g | 181% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.4 g | 387% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 329 mg | 110% | |
| Sodium | 3349 mg | 146% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 270.6 g | 98% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.4 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 114.5 g | 229% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2102 mg | 162% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 1119 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
