These classic buttered noodles are rich, garlicky, and tossed with fresh Parmesan for the perfect cozy weeknight dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes!
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Quick and Easy Butter Noodles
When it comes to easy pasta recipes, butter noodles are a simple recipe that never goes out of style. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a cozy, flavorful dish that pairs well with just about anything including grilled chicken, juicy steak, or saucy meatballs.
If you love simple comfort food like white sauce pasta or penne pasta, buttered noodles are sure to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Butter noodles are a kid-friendly side dish, quick lunch, or comforting dinner!
- Simple noodles are easy to customize with lemon juice, fresh herbs, or extra cheese.
Ingredients Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Egg noodles: Wide egg noodles are classic for this dish. We used the Country Pasta brand from Kroger, which has a sturdy texture and rich flavor, but any wide egg noodle will work including homemade egg noodles.
- Butter: Salted butter adds richness and depth. If using unsalted, you may want to add a pinch more salt to taste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key here. It infuses the buttered noodles sauce with lots of savory flavor.
- Parmesan: Use freshly grated parmesan (for a shortcut you can go to your deli for freshly grated parmesan -just avoid stuff in the can) for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Fresh parsley: Totally optional, but a sprinkle at the end adds color and a pop of herby freshness.
How to Make Butter Noodles
Start by cooking the egg noodles in salted water until tender. Just before draining, scoop out a cup of the pasta water to use in the sauce.
While the noodles cook, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute. Stir in some of the reserved pasta water along with a splash of lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
Add the drained noodles right into the skillet and toss everything together. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir until it melts into a glossy sauce, add more reserved pasta water as needed.
Garnish this easy buttered noodles recipe with fresh parsley if you like, then serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- Salt your pasta water: This is your chance to season the noodles themselves, so be generous. The water should taste like the sea!
- Don’t overcook the garlic: Let it gently sizzle just until fragrant. If it browns too much, it can turn bitter.
- Use pasta water to bring it all together: That starchy water helps the butter and cheese cling to the noodles and creates a smooth, silky sauce.
- Grate the cheese fresh: Pre-shredded Parmesan or Parmesan from a shaker doesn’t melt as nicely. For best results, grate it yourself.
- Pasta making tips: New to making pasta? Check out my guide to cooking pasta perfectly for more helpful tips.
Serving Suggestions
This butter noodle recipe goes with just about everything. For a vegetarian main dish, serve them with a side salad and garlic bread. You can also pair them with most main dishes, from roasted chicken to Swedish meatballs.
More pasta recipes include pasta primavera, pasta carbonara or chicken bacon ranch pasta!
More Easy Pasta Recipes
Butter Noodles
Ingredients
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles , we used the Country Pasta brand from Kroger
- ½ cup salted butter
- 6 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 cup pasta water , reserved from cooking noodles
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt , plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper , plus more to taste
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package ingredients.
- Make butter sauce: Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup butter on medium low heat. Add 6-7 cloves of minced garlic (about 1 Tablespoon) and cook for about 1 minute. Remove from heat until the noodles are just about cooked. Add 1 cup of water from the noodle water, juice of 1 lemon and season with salt and pepper. Add 1/4 cup more paster water if you want a thinner sauce.
- Add noodles and cheese: Add noodles to the butter sauce and stir well. Sprinkle 3/4 cup cheese and stir. Add parsley, if desired.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use a different pasta shape: Try rotini, farfalle, penne, or even spaghetti, whatever you have in the pantry will work.
- Switch up the cheese: Parmesan is classic, but romano, asiago, or a mix of Italian cheeses can add a fun twist.
- Try garlic butter: For extra flavor, use garlic herb butter or stir in roasted garlic for a mellow, rich taste.
- Add-ins: Make it heartier with cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best fresh, so freezing is not recommended.
