You Want Me to Do What to the Buttered Noodles

Prepare to elevate your comfort food game with "You Want Me to Do What to the Buttered Noodles," a decadent twist on a simple classic. This recipe takes buttered noodles to gourmet heights by incorporating nutty browned butter, crispy golden garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Silky strands of spaghetti or fettuccine are coated in a luxurious sauce crafted with reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon zest for brightness. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color, and the crunch of garlic chips provides a satisfying texture in every bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something comforting yet refined. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that’s as indulgent as it is flavorful.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves
• 12 ounces dried spaghetti or fettuccine noodles
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup water (reserved pasta water)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, slice the garlic cloves thinly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced garlic. Cook until the garlic is golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Allow the butter to melt, then cook it until it turns a golden brown color and smells nutty, about 4-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Once the butter is browned, add the red pepper flakes and half of the cracked black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

Step 5

Immediately add the drained pasta to the skillet with the brown butter. Toss to coat the noodles evenly.

Step 6

Gradually add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, tossing the noodles constantly to create a silky sauce around the pasta. You may not need the entire cup of pasta water.

Step 7

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and half of the chopped parsley. Toss again to evenly distribute the flavors.

Step 8

Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and the remaining black pepper. Taste and make sure the noodles are wonderfully balanced.

Step 9

Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with crispy garlic, the remaining parsley, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Step 10

Enjoy your gourmet-level buttered noodles with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(881.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2788.1

Total Fat 141.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 328.9mg	0%
Sodium 3348.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 270.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.4g	0%
Total Sugars 9.4g
Protein 114.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2102.0mg	0%
Iron 5.4mg	0%
Potassium 1119.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.2%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 38.5%