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Grown-Up Butter Noodles (Healthier Garlic Butter Noodles) Recipe

Grown-Up Butter Noodles (Healthier Garlic Butter Noodles) Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

Grown-Up Butter Noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender pasta tossed with garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and nutritious frozen vegetables. This healthier garlic butter noodle recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy richness and vibrant veggies, making it an ideal comfort meal that comes together quickly and easily for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 340 grams dry pasta (shape of your choice)
  • 2 cups frozen vegetables (broccoli/cauliflower florets, green beans, peas, carrots, or mixed)

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 3 tbsp salted butter
  • 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta and Veggies: Fill a large pot with water and add a couple hefty shakes of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. When there are about 4-5 minutes left in the pasta cooking time, add the frozen vegetables to the boiling pot to cook alongside the pasta.
  2. Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Before draining, reserve 1/3 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then drain the pasta and vegetables thoroughly once cooked. Set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a large pan, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking them until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Stir continuously to prevent garlic from burning.
  4. Toss Pasta with Butter and Water: Add the cooked pasta and vegetables to the pan with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Add 3 tablespoons of salted butter and half of the reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously until the butter melts completely and coats the noodles evenly.
  5. Season and Add Cheese: Season the mixture with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining reserved pasta water. Mix everything well until the cheese melts smoothly creating a creamy sauce that clings to the noodles.
  6. Serve: Immediately serve the grown-up butter noodles hot. Optionally sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for enhanced richness and flavor.

Notes

  • Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
  • Frozen mixed vegetables add texture and nutrients while cooking quickly with the pasta.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help cheese melt smoothly.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
  • For a dairy-free alternative, substitute butter and Parmesan with plant-based options.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; noodles can become sticky if left to sit.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter noodles, garlic butter noodles, healthy pasta recipe, easy pasta dish, vegetables with pasta, Parmesan noodles

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/grown-up-butter-noodles-healthier-garlic-butter-noodles-recipe/