Butter noodles are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the richness of butter with the delightful texture of soft noodles. Imagine twirling a fork around a plate of silky strands glistening with melted butter, each bite promising warmth and satisfaction.
As a kid, I remember my mom whipping up buttered noodles after a long day, filling the air with that irresistible buttery aroma. Perfect for any occasion, these noodles are the embodiment of cozy dinners and childhood nostalgia. So grab your fork and get ready for an amazing flavor experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Buttered noodles are incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays
- The flavor is buttery bliss that will make your taste buds dance
- Visually appealing with their glossy finish, they look as good as they taste
- Plus, they can be dressed up with veggies or proteins based on your cravings
I remember my niece’s face lighting up when she first tasted my buttered noodles; it was love at first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pasta of Your Choice: Use any type you adore—spaghetti, fettuccine, or even elbow macaroni works wonderfully.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted allows you to control the seasoning while ensuring a rich, creamy texture.
Salt: A pinch enhances the flavor; adjust based on taste preferences.
Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a delightful kick to balance the richness.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): Grated Parmesan can elevate your dish with savory depth—totally optional but highly recommended.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and Reserve Water: Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander but save about half a cup of that starchy cooking water—it’s liquid gold for your sauce.
Add Butter and Seasoning: Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add generous pats of unsalted butter and sprinkle in salt and pepper while stirring gently until melted.
Toss in Reserved Water: Gradually add small amounts of reserved pasta water as you toss until you achieve a silky sauce that clings beautifully to each noodle.
Add Parmesan (if using): For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the warm noodles and toss until well combined.
Serve and Enjoy!: Plate your buttery noodles immediately while they’re warm. Serve them plain or topped with additional cheese or herbs like parsley for an added touch!
Enjoy these delightful buttered noodles alone or paired with your favorite protein or veggies for a complete meal!
You Must Know
- Buttered noodles are a simple yet delicious dish that can elevate any meal
- The rich, buttery flavor combined with the right seasonings can turn plain pasta into a comfort food masterpiece
- Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and quick to make!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling salted water for the noodles while melting butter in a pan. Cook the noodles al dente, then toss them in the melted butter with your chosen seasonings. This ensures maximum flavor absorption and a delightful texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your buttered noodles by adding garlic, herbs, or veggies. You can even swap out the butter for olive oil or add grated cheese for an extra creamy finish. The possibilities are endless; make it your own!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover buttered noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, then microwave or heat on the stovetop until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously; this enhances flavor from within
- Avoid overcooking your noodles; al dente provides the best texture
- Lastly, don’t skimp on the butter; it’s what makes this dish irresistible!
Sharing my first attempt at making buttered noodles brings back chuckles. I accidentally used twice as much garlic as intended—my family joked they could smell me from a mile away!
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat pasta for buttered noodles?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works well and adds extra fiber to your dish.
What other sauces pair well with buttered noodles?
You can try adding marinara, Alfredo, or pesto for varied flavors alongside the butter.
How do I make buttered noodles vegan?
Simply substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil for a delicious plant-based version.
Delicious Buttered Noodles
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these buttery noodles! With a rich flavor and delightful texture, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Elevate your weeknight dinners filled with childhood nostalgia and warm aromas, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with veggies, this buttered noodle recipe is sure to bring joy to your table.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or elbow macaroni)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of starchy cooking water.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add butter, salt, and pepper, stirring gently until melted.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water until you achieve a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- If desired, mix in grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (140g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
