Description
This creamy noodles recipe is a quick and comforting dish featuring tender egg noodles coated in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines Parmesan and cream cheese for a luscious texture and flavor, with the option to customize with proteins or veggies for added nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 8 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Roux: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for one minute to form a roux, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Melt Cheeses and Season: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Keep stirring until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Toss Noodles in Sauce: Add the cooked noodles into the cheesy sauce and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Allow the noodles to heat through in the sauce for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the creamy noodles hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu before serving.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for a vegetable boost.
- Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- Be careful not to overcook the noodles; al dente texture provides the best bite.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
