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
Scale
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.
