Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions until just tender (al dente). Before draining, scoop out 1–2 tablespoons of the pasta water and set it aside. Drain the noodles and leave them in the pot or set them aside while you prepare the sauce.

Melt the butter and start the sauce: In a skillet or saucepan, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Let it gently bubble, but do not let it burn. The butter will start to smell warm and comforting, forming the base of your sauce.

Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly softened. Avoid browning the garlic too much so it stays sweet and aromatic instead of bitter. Stir in the garlic powder for an extra layer of garlicky flavor.

Combine the noodles with the sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the buttery garlic mixture. Toss gently using tongs or a wooden spoon until all the noodles are coated. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles and create a silky texture, adding a bit more if needed.

Add parmesan and season: Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the noodles and toss again until the cheese melts into the butter and pasta water, forming a glossy, savory coating. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed, adjusting until the flavor feels rich, cozy, and balanced.

Garnish and serve: Transfer the buttery garlic noodles with parmesan into bowls. Top with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting, garlicky, buttery bite.