Dreamy Buttered Noodles Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Creamy, comforting buttered noodles have been my secret weapon during hectic weeknights when hunger strikes fast.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of simple ingredients creating something extraordinary.

Butter melts into golden pools, coating each strand with rich, silky goodness.

Childhood memories flood back with every twirling forkful of these classic noodles.

Salt and pepper add just enough spark to make this dish sing.

Minimal effort meets maximum satisfaction in this quick culinary masterpiece.

You’ll want to memorize this foolproof recipe that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Storing Leftover Buttered Noodles

• Store cooled buttered noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm noodles in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or butter to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and has a similar cooking time.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, buttered noodles are vegetarian-friendly. They contain no meat ingredients and can easily be made with dairy-free butter for a vegan option.

• How can I make these noodles more nutritious?

Add roasted vegetables like broccoli or spinach, or mix in some protein such as grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to boost nutritional value.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with other hard cheeses like pecorino romano, or use nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor if you’re dairy-free.

Why Buttered Noodles Are a Comfort Classic

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a classic dish that wraps you in warm, buttery goodness, perfect for those moments when you crave something simple yet satisfying.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare a delicious meal in minutes with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu dinners.
• Customization Paradise: Easily transform this basic recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or protein to create a personalized pasta experience that suits your taste buds.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Enjoy a tasty meal without breaking the bank, using affordable ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

Everything Needed for Easy Buttered Noodles

• Pasta: A classic base that provides the foundation for this simple and comforting dish.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps coat the noodles evenly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty taste that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out the depth of flavor in the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Optional ingredient that adds an extra layer of savory taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of color and fresh herbal notes to the finished dish.

• Pasta Cooking Water: Helps create a smooth, silky sauce and prevents the noodles from becoming too dry.

Cooking Buttered Noodles in Simple Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt to make the pasta taste incredible.

Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook exactly as the package suggests. Keep an eye on the texture to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.

Once done, carefully drain the pasta but save a small cup of the starchy cooking water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Create Butter Magic

Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat.

Toss in butter and watch it melt into a golden, shimmering pool. For an extra flavor punch, sprinkle in some garlic powder.

The kitchen will start smelling absolutely amazing.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Butter

Transfer the hot, drained pasta directly into the buttery skillet.

Use tongs or a wooden spoon to gently twirl and coat every single noodle with the rich, melted butter. Each strand should glisten with buttery goodness.

Step 4: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If the pasta looks a bit dry, splash in some of that reserved pasta water. Add it slowly, stirring continuously.

The starchy water will help create a smooth, clingy sauce that hugs each noodle perfectly.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Finishing Touches

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the buttery noodles.

Grind some black pepper for a subtle kick. Taste and adjust the salt to make sure the flavors are singing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

If you want a pop of color and freshness, chop some bright green parsley and scatter it on top. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and steamy.

Get ready for the most comforting, simple meal ever!

Notes for Perfectly Buttery Noodles Every Time

• Save a quarter cup of starchy cooking liquid to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Sprinkle garlic powder or sauté minced fresh garlic in butter for a more complex, aromatic taste profile.
• Use high-fat European-style butter for richer, more luxurious coating and deeper flavor notes.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually to prevent dry or overly wet noodles, ensuring ideal texture and consistency.
• Chop fresh parsley, basil, or chives to add brightness, color, and a burst of fresh flavor to the simple dish.

Tasty Add-Ins for Your Buttered Noodles

• Herb-Infused Noodles: Replace plain butter with herb-infused butter by mixing softened butter with chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary before cooking.
• Vegan Butter Noodles: Substitute dairy butter with plant-based butter and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Spicy Garlic Noodles: Add red pepper flakes and increase garlic powder for a zesty kick, creating a more intense flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

What Goes Well With Buttered Noodles

Select a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the buttery richness and complements the pasta’s delicate flavor.

Add grilled chicken breast or sautéed shrimp to transform the simple dish into a complete meal with added protein and texture.

Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side to provide a zesty, green contrast against the creamy, smooth noodles.

Prepare quick roasted asparagus or broccoli with garlic and olive oil to introduce a nutritious and colorful vegetable element that brightens the buttery pasta.

Buttered Noodles Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets simplicity in this classic Buttered Noodles recipe, showcasing pasta’s timeless appeal. Creamy, rich, and effortlessly delicious, you’ll savor each twirled bite of these nostalgic noodles that bring warmth to any meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or egg noodles)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Garnish Ingredients:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Submerge pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Carefully drain pasta in a colander, preserving 1/4 cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
4. Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, allowing it to become smooth and slightly foamy.
5. Sprinkle garlic powder into the melted butter for an aromatic enhancement, stirring briefly to distribute evenly.
6. Transfer drained pasta directly into the butter-filled skillet, gently tossing to ensure each noodle is luxuriously coated.
7. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually introduce reserved pasta water, creating a silky, light sauce.
8. Shower grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles, folding gently to integrate the cheese thoroughly.
9. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and additional salt if needed, tasting to balance flavors.
10. Optional: Scatter finely chopped fresh parsley across the top for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
11. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the butter and cheese to maintain their creamy texture.

Notes

• Transform this simple dish into a protein-packed meal by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra nutrition.
• Create a gluten-free version by using alternative pasta made from chickpea, rice, or quinoa flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Elevate the flavor profile by browning the butter before adding pasta, which creates a nutty, rich taste that takes the dish from basic to gourmet.
• Experiment with different cheese options like sharp cheddar, pecorino romano, or nutritional yeast for vegans to customize the dish’s taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg