Description
A simple yet indulgent noodle dish featuring spaghetti tossed in buttery, garlicky sauce sweetened with brown sugar and brightened with soy sauce—finished with creamy Parmesan and optional heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp brown sugar
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 Tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add soy sauce and brown sugar; stir until sugar dissolves and sauce simmers.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and some reserved pasta water; toss to coat and loosen the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan and red pepper flakes until noodles are glossy and evenly coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Do not brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version.
- Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for protein.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Reheat with a splash of water to loosen thickened sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
