Buttered Noodles
A simple yet incredibly comforting dish of tender egg noodles tossed in rich, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of fresh parsley. The ultimate quick and easy meal, perfect for kids and adults alike.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
- a.Add 1 tablespoon of salt, then add the egg noodles. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 7-9 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Just before draining, carefully scoop out and reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the noodles well in a colander.
- 3
Return the empty pot to the stove and set the heat to low
- a.Add the butter and allow it to melt completely without browning, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- 4
Add the drained noodles back to the pot with the melted butter
- a.Toss well to coat every strand.
- 5
Remove the pot from the heat
- a.This is crucial to prevent the cheese from clumping. Immediately add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Toss vigorously until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce that coats the noodles. If the sauce is too thick or the noodles seem dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (about 1/4 cup at a time) and continue tossing until you reach your desired consistency.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary
- a.Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Reserve that pasta water! The starch in it is a key ingredient that helps the butter and cheese emulsify into a creamy sauce instead of a greasy coating.
- 2Use high-quality unsalted butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- 3Don't overcook the noodles. Cook them until they are al dente (firm to the bite) as they will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot butter.
- 4For a richer, nuttier flavor, you can make brown butter (beurre noisette). Simply continue to heat the butter over medium-low heat until it foams and brown specks appear, then proceed with the recipe.
Adapt it for your goals.
Garlic & Herb
Sauté 1-2 minced garlic cloves in the melting butter for 30-60 seconds until fragrant before adding the noodles. You can also add other fresh herbs like chives or thyme.
Lemon & PepperLemon & Pepper
Add the zest of one lemon and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice along with the Parmesan cheese for a bright, zesty flavor.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
Toss in cooked, shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or a can of drained chickpeas at the end to make it a more complete meal.
Vegetable Add inVegetable Add-in
Add steamed green peas, sautéed mushrooms, or wilted spinach to the noodles for extra nutrients and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the pasta provide a quick and easily accessible source of energy, making this a satisfying meal when you need a boost.
Comfort Food for Well-being
Simple, warm, and satisfying dishes like buttered noodles can act as 'comfort food,' which can have a positive psychological effect, reducing stress and improving mood.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Buttered Noodles recipe (about 1.5 cups) contains approximately 450-500 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific type of noodles and the amount of butter and cheese used.