If you’re in search of the ultimate comfort food that comes together in a flash, this Creamy Garlic Noodles (Homemade Pasta Roni) Recipe might just become your new go-to. Imagine silky angel hair pasta swimming in a luxuriously smooth sauce enriched with freshly minced garlic, sharp parmesan, and a luscious touch of cream – it’s like a warm hug on a plate. This dish is not only quick and simple to prepare but also bursts with flavor and texture, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy treat any time you crave something satisfying yet effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor just right is all about using a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each play their own special role. Every element in this recipe is chosen to build layers of richness, spice, and creaminess that define the dish.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity base and helps sauté the garlic to fragrant perfection.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The star flavor that imparts a warm, aromatic punch to the dish.
- Unsalted butter (2 Tbsp): Makes the sauce rich and silky without overpowering other flavors.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances and enhances every note in the noodles and sauce.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds a gentle heat that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Chicken stock (3 cups): Creates the perfect cooking liquid for the pasta, infusing it with savory depth.
- Angel hair pasta (½ lb): Its thin strands soak up the sauce beautifully, providing the ideal texture for this dish.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1 cup): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that melds flawlessly with the cream.
- Heavy cream (¾ cup): Gives the noodles that indulgently rich, velvety finish.
- Dried parsley (1 Tbsp): Offers a subtle herbal note and a fresh pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Noodles (Homemade Pasta Roni) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Melt the Butter
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Toss in the minced garlic and stir gently, letting it release its intoxicating aroma for about 1 to 2 minutes without turning brown. Adding the butter at this stage melts it into the fragrant oil, laying the groundwork for a luscious sauce that will coat every strand of pasta.
Step 2: Season and Add Chicken Stock
Sprinkle in the salt and pepper to add seasoning and complexity. Then pour in the chicken stock, which will not only impart savory richness but also become the cooking liquid for your pasta, absorbing all those exquisite flavors as it simmers.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Broth
Turn up the heat to bring the mix to a boil, then add the angel hair pasta. Since angel hair is ultra-thin, it cooks rapidly—usually within 4 to 5 minutes—so keep an eye on it until it’s tender yet firm to the bite. The pasta will soak in the broth, setting the stage for a perfectly infused noodle dish.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan, Cream, and Parsley
Lower the heat to medium once the pasta is cooked. Slowly stir in the parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and dried parsley, whisking until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly. This step is where the dish transforms from simple noodles to a creamy, irresistible masterpiece.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat and serve right away. This recipe shines brightest when enjoyed fresh, allowing the sauce’s creamy texture and garlic aroma to take center stage.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Noodles (Homemade Pasta Roni) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate the dish both in flavor and presentation. Try sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil also complements the creamy texture nicely.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the noodles. A side of garlic bread or grilled chicken can turn it into a hearty meal, perfect for sharing with friends or family on a relaxed evening.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual ramekins baked with a thin layer of extra cheese on top until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, plate with a swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor contrasts that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy garlic noodles are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is rich, be sure to stir well when reheating as it may thicken and separate slightly.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze as gracefully as some pasta recipes because the cream sauce can change texture upon thawing. If you want to freeze it, do so before adding the cream and cheese, then reheat gently and stir in those ingredients fresh to maintain the intended silkiness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or chicken stock if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave whenever possible to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair is ideal for absorbing the creamy sauce quickly, you can substitute with thin spaghetti or linguine if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since thicker pasta takes longer to cook.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Not as is, since it uses chicken stock to deepen flavor. However, you can easily swap chicken stock for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian without sacrificing much in taste or richness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s a bit challenging because cream and parmesan define the sauce’s texture and flavor, but you can try using dairy-free cream alternatives and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to mimic the cheesy flavor.
How can I make the noodles extra garlicky?
For more garlic punch, gently roast the minced garlic before adding it to the oil or increase the garlic quantity slightly according to your taste, keeping in mind that raw garlic can get bitter if overcooked.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
Add cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for added protein and veggies. These additions not only bulk up the meal but introduce complementary flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Noodles (Homemade Pasta Roni) Recipe is truly a gem that proves simple ingredients can create something extraordinarily comforting and delicious. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or craving a tasty homemade treat, it’s guaranteed to satisfy all those creamy, garlicky noodle cravings. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Garlic Noodles (Homemade Pasta Roni) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy garlic noodles recipe features tender angel hair pasta simmered in a flavorful garlic-infused butter and chicken stock broth, finished with rich Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and dried parsley for a luscious and comforting homemade pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 3 cups chicken stock
- ½ lb angel hair pasta
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté garlic: In a large pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and stir continuously, cooking it gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add butter and seasoning: Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pot and cook until fully melted. Then season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, stirring to combine.
- Add chicken stock and bring to boil: Pour in 3 cups of chicken stock and turn the heat to high. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook pasta: Add ½ pound of angel hair pasta directly into the boiling broth. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the pasta is tender but still al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate cream, cheese, and parsley: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¾ cup heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon dried parsley. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Serve immediately: Remove the pot from heat and serve the creamy garlic noodles hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; minced garlic can be substituted if pressed fresh ones are unavailable.
- Angel hair pasta cooks quickly; watch closely to avoid overcooking to maintain its delicate texture.
- Chicken stock can be substituted with vegetable stock to make it vegetarian friendly.
- For a richer taste, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste since Parmesan cheese adds some saltiness.
