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Parmesan Noodles

Parmesan Noodles

Quick and creamy Parmesan Noodles perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, featuring tender egg noodles tossed in a luscious Parmesan and butter sauce that comes together in under 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 ounces wide egg noodles
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the egg noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water for later.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned—this infuses the butter with rich garlic flavor.
  3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring gently to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened, then reduce the heat to low.
  4. Add Parmesan and Season: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth texture.
  5. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Return the drained noodles to the skillet, tossing carefully so each strand is coated in that luscious sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and achieve your preferred consistency.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan: Grate your cheese fresh for better melting and superior flavor compared to pre-grated options.
  • Don’t overheat the sauce: Keep heat low while adding cheese to avoid clumping or graininess.
  • Reserve pasta water: Its starch content helps harmonize the sauce and noodles smoothly.
  • Cook noodles al dente: Prevent mushy texture by slightly undercooking pasta since it will absorb sauce later.
  • Adjust creaminess: Customize sauce thickness by adding more or less cream or pasta water as you toss noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan noodles, creamy noodles, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal