An Easy, Single-Serve garlic noodles recipe that comes together in 15 minutes.
Updated to add: This post was originally published on August 3, 2011. It has been updated on May 25, 2026, with brand new photography, updated recipe and printable recipe card.
I don’t know how people cook for one. The day I know V is not coming home for lunch, I don’t bother making anything and just heat a packet of Maggi noodles
Ok, a thing about me. I adore maggi like anything. I have, in the past, kissed maggi packets to show how much I love them and have begged them to never leave me.
Ok that’s not true- I exaggerate!
Or maybe not!
The truth?
Keep guessing!
But, one thing is for definite- I looooove Maggi noodles
I have had maggi piping hot, mildly hot, cold, and even raw and I have loved it every way! Maggi for me is comfort food at its best and those who haven’t tried it- you have my sympathies with you.
And, those who have tried and don’t like it- I don’t know what to say.
I don’t want to be rude but I don’t think I am too fond of you!
Hmm…..what about chocolate- how do you feel about that?
If you like that then maybe I would just consider your apathy to maggi as just one of your idiosyncrasies and live with that.
BUT in case, chocolate is a no-no too- then sorry, we can’t be friends. It just won’t happen. (Not that you care, but just letting you know.)
Anyway, coming to the point, I hate cooking for one. And since, V has not been coming home for lunch these days, of course, I couldn’t be bothered to be in the kitchen cooking a meal for just myself. I had maggi a day or two, alternating with leftovers and other knickknacks. But, then the maggi finished and so did the leftovers and I was left with no choice but to cook.
Sigh!
I thought I’ll skip lunch altogether or just snack but I knew my tummy wouldn’t let me live with that! So, I thought of the next best thing to make- garlic noodles. And I knew of the perfect recipe to try.
Now I am not a big fan of Facebook- its all impersonal, yada yada… but sometimes its so great to eavesdrop on someone else’s conversation without having to comment on it or anyone knowing about it.
Unless, of course, you are like me and say it on your blog and then mention the name of the people whose conversation you eavesdropped on. There is no saving grace for you!
But, those who are more discreet than me would agree FB is great for such things!
This recipe is a result of such a case of eavesdropping.
Now, all of those who were shaking their heads when they heard eavesdrop and were like ‘tsk shumaila!’, would agree eavesdropping resulting in a great recipe can not harm anyone, can it?
So, I would like to thank my friend PB and the ASAPer whose status prompted PB to reply with such a great recipe and would like to extend my apologies for eavesdropping! Sorry guys- I only did it this one time (honest! 🙂 )!
If you are craving a quick comfort bowl, this recipe checks every single box. Here is why it has been a staple in my kitchen for years:
It comes together in minutes: No elaborate prep work or hours spent over the stove. By the time your noodles are boiled, the sauce is practically done. It’s the ultimate lazy-day meal.
The perfect single-serve recipe: It is incredibly rare to find a noodle recipe that is perfectly portioned for one. You get a satisfying, comforting meal without dealing with a mountain of leftovers.
Effortless to scale up: Cooking for a date night or the whole family? You can easily double or triple the ingredients without messing up the cooking times or the flavor balance.
A true garlic lover’s dream: We aren’t shy with the garlic here. If you love that deep, pungent, savory kick, this recipe absolutely delivers.
Better than packaged instant noodles: Skip the processed flavor packets and hidden preservatives. This gives you that quick-fix noodle satisfaction using real, pantry-staple ingredients you can actually feel good about eating.
Somebody (Louis Diat, to be precise) said that there are five elements: earth, air, fire, water and garlic.
If you are one of those who are nodding their head in agreement to the above statement, you will love these noodles! They are screaming of garlic!
Warning: Your hands will smell like garlic after this, making it the perfect time to battle vampires!
Disclaimer: Any injury resulting from battling vampires because of my suggestion above is not my fault and will be your sole responsibility!
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