Craving those addictive garlic noodles from Yard House but don't want to brave the crowds or the bill? This recipe lets you recreate that same irresistible flavor at home, quickly and easily! Get ready to impress yourself and your dinner guests with this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a comforting meal on a chilly evening. This recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste.
Ingredients: What You'll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients, readily available at your local grocery store, making it an ideal option for easy recipes.
- 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup finely minced garlic (about 10-12 cloves)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions: Let's Get Cooking!
This detailed guide will take you through the process step-by-step, making this homemade cooking experience a breeze, even for beginner cooks.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
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Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the wine to reduce slightly. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor.
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Combine and Toss: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and soy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Garlic Noodles
- Don't Burn the Garlic: Low and slow is key when cooking garlic. Constant stirring prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- Fresh Garlic is Best: Using fresh garlic makes a significant difference in the flavor.
- Adjust the Spice: Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Pasta Water is Your Friend: The starchy pasta water helps create a creamy, flavorful sauce that clings to the noodles.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
- Add Protein: Toss in some cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a more complete meal.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the white wine and ensure your soy sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
- Creamy Garlic Noodles: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Fat: 25-30g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy recipe provides delicious dishes perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy your homemade Yard House-inspired garlic noodles! They are a great example of quick dinner ideas that are both delicious and easy to make. Let us know in the comments how your version turned out!