Buttered Noodles are a simple, comforting side dish made with pantry staples. Quick, easy, and loved by kids and adults alike—perfect for any weeknight meal.
Buttered Noodles
You really can't go wrong with Buttered Noodles. Simple and comforting and endlessly customizable. Plus, incredibly easy to make.
With just a handful of budget-friendly pantry staples, you can whip up a warm, buttery bowl of noodles that everyone in the family will love. Whether you're looking for a quick side dish, a base for something more filling, or a kid-friendly main, buttered noodles are always a winning choice.
Even picky eaters can't resist a big bowl of warm, buttery noodles!
What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?
While you can use just about any pasta for buttered noodles, some types stand out for their texture and ability to hold onto all that buttery goodness.
- Pappardelle: These wide, flat ribbons are perfect for soaking up butter and seasoning. Their hearty texture makes every bite feel extra indulgent.
- Thick Egg Noodles: A classic choice for buttered noodles, especially if you're aiming for cozy, nostalgic comfort food. Their slightly chewy texture pairs beautifully with melted butter.
Other great options include fettuccine, rotini, or even spaghetti—whatever you have on hand will work in a pinch!
What Can I Add to Buttered Noodles?
Buttered noodles are delicious in their simplicity, but they're also a blank canvas for all kinds of flavorful additions. Here are some easy ways to dress them up:
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds savory depth and a hint of saltiness.
- Garlic: Stir in a clove or two of fresh minced garlic while melting the butter, or use a dash of garlic powder for a quicker option.
- Lemon: A splash of fresh lemon juice or a bit of zest brightens up the dish and adds a fresh twist.
- Fresh Herbs: Toss in chopped parsley, basil, thyme, or chives for color and extra flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch for a little heat—it pairs surprisingly well with the richness of butter.
- Truffle Oil: Just a drizzle adds an earthy, luxurious touch. A little goes a long way!
- Sautéed Veggies: Stir in tender vegetables like peas, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
Mix and match your favorite combos to turn this simple side into a customized comfort food masterpiece.
How to Serve Buttered Noodles
Buttered noodles make a fantastic side dish for just about anything. Try pairing them with basically any protein including chicken, pork, or beef. Alternately, you can saute some veggies, such as sauteed mushrooms and onions, and serve them over or next to your noodles.
These recipes from the site are typically served over rice or pasta—making buttered noodles a delicious swap:
- Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff – Tender beef in a creamy mushroom sauce pairs perfectly with buttery noodles.
- Swedish Meatballs – Classic comfort food made even cozier over egg noodles.
- Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu – Creamy, cheesy goodness that begs for a buttery noodle base.
- Chicken Divan – A creamy chicken and broccoli casserole that’s delicious spooned over noodles.
- Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole – Crunchy, creamy, and perfectly complemented by noodles underneath.
- Bruschetta Chicken Bake – A flavorful, cheesy tomato-topped chicken dish that’s extra hearty served over pasta.
Whether you're keeping things simple or building a full meal, buttered noodles are a delicious and dependable base.
More Easy Pasta Recipes You'll Love
- Cheesy Baked Kielbasa Pasta - Smoky kielbasa, tender pasta, and plenty of melty cheese make this a family-friendly weeknight winner.
- One Pot Enchilada Pasta - All the bold flavors of enchiladas in one cheesy, saucy pasta dish—made in a single pot!
- Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs - Let your slow cooker do the work for this hands-off comfort food classic.
- Creamy Sausage Pasta - Rich, savory, and packed with flavor, this easy skillet pasta comes together fast.
- Tuna Tetrazzini - A cozy casserole made with pasta, tuna, and a creamy sauce—perfect for using pantry staples.
Buttered Noodles Video
Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked noodles
- ⅓ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepepr
- Finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot according to package instructions. Reserve ⅓ cup pasta water. Drain (don't rinse). Set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add noodles back to pot, and toss with butter and reserved pasta water.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Noodles - I like to use pappardelle or egg noodles. However, any kind of noodle will work for this recipe, such as spaghetti, rotini, linguine, elbow macaroni, or mini shells.
- Seasoning - Add garlic powder and grated parmesan for a little extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover buttered noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a dollop of butter or a splash of olive oil to keep them from drying out.
Nutrition
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