30 Minute Garlic Butter Pasta: Silky
This 30 Minute Garlic Butter Pasta uses starchy water for a silky glaze. This Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan includes a timing guide. Ready in 20 min!
Emily Nguyen
Emily Nguyen, food blogger – Reimagining classic recipes for modern kitchens & first-time cooks. Making cooking approachable and fun for everyone!
About Me:
Meet Emily Nguyen
I'm going to be honest with you: two years ago, I survived on instant ramen, frozen pizza, and whatever my roommate was willing to share. I graduated from UCLA with a communications degree and zero kitchen skills. My Vietnamese grandmother, Bà Ngoại, was horrified. "How will you take care of yourself?" she asked every time we video-called.
So I made her a promise: I would learn to cook. Really cook—not just microwave things. I started with her recipes, then branched into American classics that reminded me of potlucks and holidays at friends' houses. Every mistake became a lesson, every success a tiny victory. Now I'm the person my friends call when they need cooking advice, which still feels surreal.
My Cooking Philosophy
- Beginner-Friendly Always: I remember what it's like to not know anything. I explain every term, every technique, and every potential mistake because I've probably made it myself.
- Modern Shortcuts Welcome: Bà Ngoại might not approve, but I'll tell you when a store-bought ingredient works just fine. We're all busy.
- Small Kitchen Solutions: I cook in a tiny apartment kitchen with minimal equipment. If I can do it, you definitely can.
Background & Experience
I'm the youngest member of the My Grandma Recipes team, and I bring a different perspective—I'm learning alongside many of our readers. I document my cooking journey on our social media channels, including the fails (there are many) and the wins (getting more frequent!). I also manage our Pinterest and help make our content accessible to younger audiences.
When I'm not in the kitchen, I'm video-chatting with Bà Ngoại (who critiques my technique lovingly), thrifting for vintage kitchen gadgets I don't need, or convincing my cat Mr. Whiskers that he doesn't actually like human food.
Connect with Emily:
Email:
My Latest recipes:
Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce for 8 Servings
This Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce is a homemade hidden veggie pasta sauce recipe ideal for picky eaters. Includes a serving size calculator. Ready in 40 min!
Sheet Pan Chicken with Baby Potatoes
Master Sheet Pan Chicken with this easy sheet pan chicken family dinner. Includes a step-by-step timing guide for roasted potatoes. Ready in 45 minutes.
Butter Squishy Cake: Tender Sponge
Try the Butter Squishy Cake from Target with Vanilla. This viral Target butter squishy recipe includes a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 2h 55m.
One Pan Garlic Herb Salmon Veggies Baked
Cook one pan garlic herb salmon veggies with this healthy one pan garlic herb salmon and veggies recipe. Step-by-step timing guide included. Ready in 30 min.
Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for 8 Servings
Master Shrimp Scampi Lasagna with this garlic butter shrimp lasagna recipe. Includes a step-by-step timing guide for a perfect bake. Ready in 55 minutes.
Cheese Crescent Danishes in 30 Minutes
Bake Cheese Crescent Danishes at home. These easy crescent roll cheese danishes include a common mistakes checklist for bakery results. Ready in 30 minutes.
Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne
This creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne recipe makes a rich creamy chicken asparagus penne pasta. Includes a step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 35 min.
Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl in 20 Min
Master the low carb crustless pizza bowl with this simple keto pizza bowl recipe. Includes a step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 20 minutes for dinner.
Velvety Mason Jar Ice Cream
Make velvety Mason Jar Ice Cream with our homemade mason jar ice cream recipe. Includes a step-by-step timing guide for the perfect freeze. Ready in 3 hours.
Bunny Butt Pancakes in 20 Minutes
Make Bunny Butt Pancakes for a fun morning. These easter pancakes are great easter breakfast ideas. Includes a step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 20 minutes.
Lemon Cake Mix Cookies in 20 Minutes
Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are a zesty treat. This quick lemon cake mix cookies recipe with glaze includes a step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 20 minutes.
Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies in 22 Min
Master Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies with our guide. These greek yogurt chocolate chip cookies include a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 22 minutes.
Halloween Chex Mix in 10 Minutes
Make a sweet Halloween Chex Mix with white chocolate. This halloween party mix snacks guide includes a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 10 minutes.
Levain Bakery NYC Cookies in 30 Minutes
Master levain bakery nyc cookies with this guide to New York style chocolate chip cookies. Includes a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 30 minutes.
Orange Creamsicle Cocktail in 5 Minutes
Enjoy an Orange Creamsicle Cocktail in minutes. This orange creamsicle cocktail with vanilla vodka includes a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 5 minutes.
Pan-Seared Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry in 25 Minutes
Master mediterranean ground beef stir fry with this healthy mediterranean beef recipe. Includes a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 25 minutes.
Cookie Dough Dip with Cream Cheese: Creamy Party-Ready Dessert
This Cookie Dough Dip is creamy and safe. Our homemade chocolate chip cookie dough dip recipe includes a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 15 minutes.
Energy Balls with Protein Powder: Ready in 25 Minutes Total
Master Energy Balls with this recipe for monster protein balls. Includes a common mistakes checklist for the best texture. Ready in 25 minutes total.
Biscoff Truffles: Caramelized Center with White Chocolate
Biscoff Truffles with a velvety center and crisp shell. These no bake Biscoff truffles are a hit. Common mistakes checklist included. Ready in 10 minutes.
Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe: Ready in 20 Minutes
Try this crunchy asian ramen noodle salad recipe. This Chinese ramen salad is an easy ramen noodle salad with a common mistakes checklist. Done in 20 minutes.
S'mores Crescent Rolls in 22 Minutes with Golden Pastry
Master S'mores Crescent Rolls with our step-by-step timing guide. Prevent melted filling issues with this easy recipe. Ready in just 22 minutes.
Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter and Fudgy Center
Transform overripe fruit with our Banana Bread Brownies. Features a step-by-step timing guide for the perfect crackly top. Ready in 40 minutes.
Best Crockpot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese in 2 Hours
Master Best Crockpot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese using our step-by-step timing guide. Includes common mistakes checklist. Ready in 2 hours.
Chocolate Mousse for 4 Servings: Creamy and Fluffy Dessert
Master this foolproof Chocolate Mousse recipe. Our step-by-step timing guide ensures a creamy result with simple ingredients. Ready in 20 minutes total.
No Bake Cheesecake: Creamy Filling for 12 Servings
Master this No Bake Cheesecake with a silky cream cheese filling. Our step-by-step timing guide ensures perfect results. Ready in 4 hours 20 minutes.
Mini Oreo Cheesecakes for 12 Servings: A Creamy Dessert Guide
Learn how to make Mini Oreo Cheesecakes with our step-by-step guide. Features a common mistakes checklist for these individual Oreo cheesecake bites. Ready in…
Oreo Balls Recipe for 38 Servings with Cream Cheese
Master this no bake Oreo Balls recipe with our step-by-step timing guide. Perfect for holidays, these Oreo balls with cream cheese are ready in 80 minutes.
Creme Brulee for 4 Servings: A Creamy Caramelized Custard
Master our easy Creme Brulee recipe with step-by-step timing guide. Create a creamy, indulgent custard with a perfect sugar shatter. Ready in 1 hour.
No Bake Oreo Cheesecake for 12 Servings: A Creamy Dessert Recipe
Create a silky no bake oreo cheesecake with our step-by-step timing guide. Features a common mistakes checklist for success. Perfect for 12 servings.