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Creamy Spicy Garlic Noodles

creamy spicy garlic noodles - featured image

A quick and easy creamy spicy garlic noodles recipe that delivers a bold flavor kick with a luscious, velvety sauce perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or Asian-style noodles (udon, rice noodles, linguine)
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons chili flakes or chili oil (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lime juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions (optional toppings)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes for spaghetti. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and cook gently, stirring often, until fragrant and just golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid burning.
  3. Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons chili flakes or chili oil. Cook for 30 seconds to infuse flavors.
  4. Lower heat and pour in ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream. Stir constantly until sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.
  5. Stir in ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lime juice. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is silky. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Add drained noodles to skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
  7. Plate noodles and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and optional toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately warm.

Notes

Cook garlic gently on medium-low heat to avoid bitterness. Adjust chili flakes or chili oil gradually to control spice level. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if too thick. Reheat leftovers gently with cream or water to restore creaminess. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy spicy garlic noodles, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, garlic noodles, spicy noodles, creamy sauce, weeknight meal