We absolutely love sharing our take on the Best Noodles Almondine recipe, a timeless dish that combines tender pasta with toasted almonds for a crunchy, irresistible twist. Originating from French culinary traditions, it’s a simple yet elegant meal that elevates everyday ingredients into something special.
This version packs bold flavors with buttery notes and fresh herbs, making it perfect for quick dinners or impressing guests. We’re excited to show you how easy it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
In our Best Noodles Almondine recipe, we gather simple yet flavorful ingredients that blend tender pasta with the nutty crunch of toasted almonds, creating a dish rooted in French elegance. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are used, with prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- 8 ounces of dried egg noodles: Choose wide varieties for the best texture; cook them al dente to maintain a slight bite.
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds: Toast these in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden for that irresistible crunch.
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter: Use high-quality butter for rich flavor; melt it gradually to avoid burning.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Freshly mince for a pungent aroma that infuses the dish with depth.
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped: Opt for flat-leaf parsley for its robust taste; chop finely just before adding.
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, zesty note that balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt: Kosher salt works best; adjust to taste based on your pasta water.
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle kick that enhances the overall harmony.
This selection ensures our recipe delivers a crisp, buttery symphony that’s both quick to prepare and delightfully satisfying.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Best Noodles Almondine recipe to life, we need a few essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and perfect results. Building on our ingredient list, which includes dried egg noodles and sliced almonds, these items help us boil, toast, and combine everything efficiently for that irresistible crunch and flavor.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools we recommend:
- Large pot: For boiling the 8 ounces of dried egg noodles to achieve the perfect al dente texture—aim for a pot that holds at least 4 quarts to prevent overflow.
- Skillet or frying pan: Ideal for toasting the 1/2 cup of sliced almonds and melting the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter; opt for a non-stick version to avoid sticking and ensure even browning.
- Chef’s knife: Essential for mincing the 2 cloves of garlic and chopping the 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley—choose a sharp one for precise cuts that enhance the dish’s fresh flavors.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface to work on while preparing ingredients like garlic and parsley, keeping our workspace safe and organized.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring items such as the 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance the recipe’s taste profile.
- Colander: For draining the boiled noodles quickly and effectively, preventing them from becoming mushy and preserving their tender quality.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and tossing ingredients in the skillet, ensuring the almonds toast evenly and the garlic doesn’t burn.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly into the cooking process, making our Best Noodles Almondine not only delicious but also effortlessly prepared.
Instructions
With our ingredients measured and tools at hand, we’re excited to guide you through creating the Best Noodles Almondine, a dish that combines tender egg noodles with the nutty crunch of toasted almonds for an irresistible result.
Prep
First, we prepare our ingredients to ensure everything flows smoothly. Start by mincing 2 cloves of garlic on a clean cutting board using a chef’s knife, releasing its pungent aroma that will infuse the dish with bold flavor. Next, finely chop 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, capturing its vibrant green hue and fresh, herbaceous scent. Measure out the remaining items: 8 ounces of dried egg noodles, 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This step sets the stage for a quick and efficient cooking process, allowing the natural flavors to shine.
Cook
We move to the cooking phase, where the magic happens. Begin by filling a large pot with water, adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and bringing it to a rolling boil over high heat—watch for the vigorous bubbles that signal it’s ready. Add the 8 ounces of dried egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until they’re al dente with a firm yet tender bite. While the noodles boil, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, toasting them for 3-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and emit a rich, nutty fragrance—stir frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent burning. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and softened, creating a savory base that will coat the noodles perfectly.
Assemble
Finally, we bring it all together for a harmonious finish. Drain the cooked noodles in a colander, shaking off excess water to keep them from becoming mushy. Transfer the noodles to the skillet with the butter and garlic mixture, then add the toasted almonds, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything gently with a wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until the ingredients are evenly combined, allowing the bright citrus notes of the lemon to balance the rich, buttery flavors and the almonds to provide satisfying crunch. Your Best Noodles Almondine is now ready to serve, with its warm, aromatic appeal sure to delight.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To help you prepare our Best Noodles Almondine recipe with ease we recommend these make-ahead strategies. This approach allows you to streamline your cooking process while preserving the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
We suggest preparing certain elements ahead of time to save effort during mealtime:
- Mince the garlic and chop the parsley: Up to 24 hours in advance mince 2 cloves of garlic and chop 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their fresh aroma and prevent browning.
- Toast the almonds: Prepare 1/2 cup of sliced almonds by toasting them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden. Let them cool completely then transfer to an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps their satisfying crunch for up to 3 days.
Cooking Components Ahead
For a more efficient assembly focus on cooking key parts in advance:
- Boil the noodles: Cook 8 ounces of dried egg noodles according to package instructions then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a light drizzle of oil to prevent sticking and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Make the butter mixture: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet and cook with the minced garlic until fragrant about 1-2 minutes. Let it cool then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. When ready reheat gently to restore its rich savory essence.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures our Best Noodles Almondine retains its delightful crunch from the almonds and tender pasta texture:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toasted Almonds | Airtight container at room temperature | Up to 3 days | No reheating needed; add directly. |
| Cooked Noodles | Airtight container in refrigerator | Up to 2 days | Reheat in boiling water for 1 minute or microwave with a splash of water for 30-45 seconds. |
| Butter-Garlic Mixture | Sealed container in refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes stirring until warmed through. |
| Fresh Herbs and Seasonings | Airtight container in refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Use as is for maximum flavor. |
By following these steps we ensure your Best Noodles Almondine comes together quickly with minimal fuss allowing you to enjoy its buttery garlic notes lemony brightness and nutty crunch whenever you need a flavorful meal. Always assemble the final dish just before serving to keep everything fresh and appealing.
Conclusion
We’ve enjoyed sharing our take on the Best Noodles Almondine recipe
as a go-to option for effortless yet impressive meals.
It’s a dish that brings together simple ingredients for lasting flavor
and satisfaction every time you serve it.
Try it out and make it your own—we’re sure it’ll elevate your dinner routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Best Noodles Almondine?
Best Noodles Almondine is a simple yet elegant French-inspired dish featuring tender egg noodles combined with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. It’s perfect for quick dinners or impressing guests, offering rich flavors from garlic, butter, and lemon juice in an easy-to-prepare meal.
What ingredients are needed for Best Noodles Almondine?
You’ll need 8 ounces of dried egg noodles, 1/2 cup sliced almonds, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. These high-quality ingredients create a flavorful, textured dish that’s quick to make.
What tools are required to make Best Noodles Almondine?
Essential tools include a large pot for boiling noodles, a skillet for toasting almonds and melting butter, a chef’s knife and cutting board for prepping garlic and parsley, measuring cups and spoons, a colander for draining, and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. These make preparation effortless.
How do I prepare Best Noodles Almondine?
Start by prepping ingredients like mincing garlic and chopping parsley. Boil the noodles, toast the almonds in a skillet, and cook a butter-garlic base. Combine everything with parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a warm, aromatic dish. The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes.
Can I make Best Noodles Almondine ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like minced garlic and chopped parsley up to 24 hours in advance, and toast almonds ahead for crunch. You can also boil noodles and make the butter-garlic mixture earlier, then assemble quickly. This keeps flavors fresh and makes cooking efficient for busy days.
How should I store and reheat Best Noodles Almondine?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or microwave in short bursts, stirring to maintain texture. Avoid overcooking to keep the almonds crunchy and noodles tender.