1. Preparing the Noodles

• • Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water. Adding salt to the water ensures that your noodles will be seasoned from the start.

• • Step 2: Cook your noodles of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or egg noodles) according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures that the noodles remain firm when tossed in the sauce.

• • Step 3: Drain the noodles and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

2. Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

• • Step 1: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll need about 3-4 tablespoons of butter per serving.

• • Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. You want it soft and fragrant, not brown.

• • Step 3: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or olive oil at this stage.

3. Combining the Noodles and Sauce

• • Step 1: Add the drained noodles to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Make sure each strand is well-coated.

• • Step 2: If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This keeps the sauce silky and ensures the noodles are fully covered.

4. Enhancing the Flavor

• • Step 1: For added depth, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles.

• • Step 2: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty note.

• • Step 3: Garnish the dish with chopped parsley or basil to bring in some freshness and a pop of color.