Buttered Noodles Recipe
Buttered noodles are the ultimate comfort food—simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. This buttered noodles recipe delivers rich, buttery flavor with just two core ingredients.
Perfect as a cozy stand-alone dish or a neutral canvas for bolder sauces, buttered noodles are a pantry staple that never disappoints.
The Stars of These Buttered Noodles
- Egg noodles – Their soft, tender texture and wide surface make them ideal for soaking up buttery goodness.
- Butter – The star of the show, lending a rich, velvety coating that defines this dish.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings that bring out the depth of flavor and balance the richness of the butter.
How to Make Buttered Noodles in a Snap
Bring salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until tender. Drain them thoroughly.
Return the noodles to the pot off heat, then stir in the butter. Toss until every strand is coated and glossy. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish if desired.
Tips to Elevate Your Buttered Noodle Game
Though deceptively simple, buttered noodles leave plenty of room for customization. Use European-style butter for deeper flavor, or brown your butter slightly before tossing for a nutty twist. Add minced garlic, Parmesan, or fresh parsley to upgrade the dish effortlessly. Swap in other pasta types like fettuccine or rotini if egg noodles aren’t on hand—just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Want to make it a meal? Top with sautéed mushrooms, leftover rotisserie chicken, or toss it with steamed broccoli. The mild, buttery base is an ideal partner for so many flavor combinations.
Keeping It Fresh: Storing and Reheating Buttered Noodles
Store leftover buttered noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to reheat, microwave in short bursts, covering with a damp paper towel to keep the noodles from drying out. You can also reheat them gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen things up and refresh the buttery coating.
If freezing, portion cooled noodles into freezer-safe containers. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave or thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Buttered Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup unsalted butter equivalent to ½ stick, or adjust to preference
- 16 ounces wide egg noodles
- Salt for boiling and seasoning
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the egg noodles and cook until they are tender, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
- Remove the pot from heat and return the drained noodles to it. Incorporate the butter, stirring until fully melted and the noodles are uniformly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste—recommended: ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. If desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
