Description
Smoky Garlic Butter Noodles are a quick and flavorful pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Whole wheat pasta is tossed in a rich browned butter sauce infused with minced garlic, smoked paprika, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle smoky heat. Toasted roasted almonds add a delightful crunch, making this simple recipe both comforting and satisfying in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta or your favorite pasta
Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
Toppings & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup salted, roasted almonds, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 3–5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce heat to low and add the minced garlic to the browned butter. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant, ensuring not to brown the garlic too much.
- Toast the Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and enhance their smoky flavor.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss the noodles well until evenly coated in the browned butter sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a glossy texture.
- Add Toppings and Season: Sprinkle the roughly chopped roasted almonds over the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Be sure to watch the butter closely while browning to avoid burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Using whole wheat pasta adds fiber and nutrients, but you can substitute with any pasta variety you prefer.
- Reserved pasta water helps achieve a smooth sauce and better pasta coating by adding starch.
- If you prefer a milder spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
