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If you’re craving a dish that’s simple yet bursting with flavor, this Italian Noodles Recipe is your go-to comfort food. With perfectly cooked pasta bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes, every bite is a celebration of classic Italian flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and elegant enough to serve any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is your first step toward making this Italian Noodles Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the fragrant garlic that wakes up your senses, the fresh basil that adds a burst of herbaceous brightness, or the Parmesan cheese that finishes the dish with creamy, salty richness.
- 12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti noodles: Choose your favorite shape; either will soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity depth and smooth texture to the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: The star aromatic that lends a delicious pungency and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings classic Mediterranean herbs into every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a touch of heat, perfect if you like a little kick.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that signature nutty, salty finish that melts into the pasta.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: Brightens the dish with a fresh, peppery herb flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings luscious creaminess and helps bind the sauce to the noodles.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water: The secret ingredient that helps create the silky, slightly thickened sauce your noodles will love.
How to Make Italian Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your fettuccine or spaghetti noodles until just al dente—that perfect texture where the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite. Before draining, save half a cup of the starchy pasta water; it’s going to work wonders in your sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—avoid browning to keep the flavor clean and bright. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, letting the herbs and spice bloom in the warm oil.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Now, add the cooked noodles to the skillet along with the butter and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, allowing the butter to melt and the pasta water to emulsify into a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Basil
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. These finishing touches elevate the simplicity into something truly special. Give it a final season with salt and black pepper to suit your taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its creamiest.
How to Serve Italian Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top, perhaps paired with a few whole basil leaves. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil can add a glorious shine and enhance flavor. A twist of cracked black pepper finishes it perfectly, adding a little texture and punctuating the dish’s simplicity.
Side Dishes
This Italian Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a crusty loaf of garlic bread. For a heartier meal, complement it with grilled chicken or shrimp sautéed in garlic and herbs to keep the Mediterranean vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the noodles in individual shallow bowls and top with a fresh basil sprig and a small mound of Parmesan curls. You can also toss in sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and color, making the dish feel both rustic and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the Italian noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the noodles will soak up sauce over time, so the texture may change slightly, but reheating with a splash of water will revive the creaminess.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, cool the noodles thoroughly, then pack into a freezer-safe container with a little extra olive oil to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of reserved pasta water or broth.
Reheating
Reheat your Italian noodles gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon of water or olive oil at a time to bring back that luscious, silky sauce texture. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can dry out the pasta and clump the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Italian Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or spaghetti are classic choices, you can swap in penne, linguine, or even a gluten-free variety—just keep an eye on cooking times to maintain that perfect al dente bite.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, just replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, and swap butter for a plant-based margarine or more olive oil. It’ll still deliver a wonderfully flavorful dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
You can cook the noodles in advance and toss them with olive oil to prevent sticking. Reheat the sauce separately and combine just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?
Dried basil can work in a pinch, but fresh basil adds a brightness that’s hard to beat. If you only have dried, use about a third of the amount and add it earlier in the cooking process for better flavor infusion.
How can I make the recipe creamier without altering its simple charm?
Try adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right when you toss the noodles with the butter and pasta water. This creates a richer sauce that’s still light and delicious, perfect for those craving a touch of indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Noodles Recipe is a fantastic weeknight meal that feels like a special occasion every time you enjoy it. It’s simple, quick, and packed with genuine Italian flavors that bring warmth and comfort to your table. So grab your pasta pot and skillet, and give this recipe a try—you might find it becoming a permanent favorite in your kitchen!
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Italian Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Noodles recipe features al dente fettuccine or spaghetti tossed in a flavorful garlic-infused olive oil sauce with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Enhanced with butter and reserved pasta water, it creates a silky, comforting dish perfect for a quick and delicious vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti noodles
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles.
- Sauté garlic and seasonings: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to infuse the oil.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Add the cooked noodles, unsalted butter, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce becomes silky.
- Add cheese and herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce and the basil to release its aroma.
- Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- You can add sautéed vegetables, grilled chicken, or shrimp to make this a heartier meal.
- For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream before tossing with the pasta.
