Buttered noodles are a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs with almost any meal.
Simple comfort food at its best, and as the title indicates, it only needs noodles, butter, and a dash of parmesan cheese!
This dish will satisfy the pickiest of eaters and is great smothered with gravy, sauce or eaten on its own.
Classic Buttered Noodles to the Rescue
Buttered noodles recipes have been around for generations and are often a child’s first introduction to solid foods.
- Besides being budget-friendly and easy to make, buttered noodles are delicious.
- Get creative with these versatile noodles – add your choice of herbs and seasoning to match your tastes or your meal.
- Kid-approved! Even little picky eaters ask for seconds
- Ideal as a really simple main dish with some protien or a side in place of mashed potatoes.
- They’re the perfect companion to a variety of entrees, like grilled chicken, beef, or fish.
Ingredients in Buttered Noodles
Egg Noodles: These bite-sized, sturdy noodles are perfect for this side and hold up well to sauces and gravy too. If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, medium-sized shells, bow-tie pasta, or small penne work too.
Butter: For this recipe, stick with butter rather than olive oil, as it adds the best flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, choose a flavorful alternative like dairy-free butter.
Cheese: Parmesan cheese is optional and depending on what I serve these with, I sometimes add it and sometimes skip it. Either fresh parm or grated parm is great with buttered noodles.
Seasonings: This is where you can let your culinary creativity shine! Add fresh herbs and spices like basil, parsley, or thyme. To suit the dish you’re serving it with, consider stirring in some cheese sauce, pesto, or smother them with gravy.
How to Make Buttered Noodles
- Cook egg noodles in water and drain (do not rinse).
- Add the butter to the pot and stir in the noodles and a little pasta water (optional).
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and garnish with a little parsley for color. Serve hot.
PRO TIP: Reserve a little pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Leftovers?
Keep leftover buttered noodles in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Add leftovers to a savory pasta e fagioli soup, or a deliciously filling turkey casserole. Or simply reheat them on the stove or in the microwave with a little water to loosen the noodles! This isn’t a good dish for freezing since the noodles will get soft after thawing, but it’s so easy to make, just start fresh!
Easy Pasta Recipes
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Buttered Noodles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese optional
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles, reduce the heat to a low boil, and cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta well, but do not rinse.
- Place the pot back on the stove over medium heat and melt the butter and garlic powder.
- Stir the cooked noodles, parsley, parmesan cheese if using, and pepper. Toss to coat and season with additional salt if desired. Stir in a tablespoon or two of pasta water can be added to reach desired consistency.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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I’ve made these for years when our boys were small. They loved them. So easy. One of my daughter in laws makes them and adds a touch of garlic salt. So yummy.
That sounds delicious! It’s the perfect easy and kid-friendly meal!