Buttered Noodles Recipe

A light weeknight dinner idea, this buttered noodles recipe is sure to become a go-to family meal. These buttered noodles are loaded with parmesan garlicky goodness to the last bite.

Make this meal on a busy weeknight, or as a side dish to a big game day celebration. Whatever the occasion, buttered noodles are a crowd pleaser. 

This recipe comes together quickly, with only four ingredients. Of course, being so simple, there are plenty of ways to alter this recipe to make it your own.

If you’ve ever been to Noodles & Company, and had their delectable buttered noodles bowl, you know it is highly addictive.

That is how this recipe came about in our home. Per usual, I was craving a simple noodle dish, as opposed to a heavier red sauce. Something light but packed full of flavor. This buttered noodles recipe has been a staple in our home ever since.

Buttered Noodles Ingredients

The name belies the star ingredient of this buttered noodles recipe: the combination of parmesan and garlic. If there ever was an ingredient match made in Elysium, it would be garlic and parmesan.

Tip: Be mindful of where your garlic comes from. Did you know the best garlic in the world is grown in California? I highly recommend McFadden Farm 100% Organic Garlic Powder, as well as their Garlic Flakes. You can purchase from their website or on the McFadden Farm Amazon store.

With only four main ingredients, this buttered noodles recipe takes very little time to prepare and cook.

Here is the list of ingredients you will need for this buttered noodles recipe:

• Egg noodles, 16oz, cooked according to package instructions - Wide or extra wide egg noodles will work for this recipe. As of the writing of this post, Whole Foods 365 Organic Wide Egg Noodles are made in Italy and are as delicious as they are affordable. Sprouts, Safeway and other grocers typically carry egg noodles.
• Garlic salt, 1 teaspoon - One of the star ingredients in this recipe, garlic salt is where the punch of flavor comes from. You can add more if you think it needs it.
• Shredded parmesan cheese, 1 cup, plus more for topping - The second star ingredient, parmesan lends the heartiness (and fat) to this dish. Technically, the parmesan does not have to be shredded, just small enough that the residual heat from the cooked noodles is enough to fully melt the cheese. Top the buttered noodles with some parmesan as well.
• Butter, 4 tablespoons - There is nothing quite like the satiating effect of butter. Add the butter immediately after the noodles have been drained. The residual heat should be sufficient enough to fully melt the butter. Otherwise, you can soften (or fully melt) the butter in the microwave for a few seconds before adding to the cooked noodles.
• Black pepper, to taste - Some people enjoy topping buttered noodles with black pepper. It provides a nice pop of spice to this dish.

Variations:

• Top with parsley to add a fresh pop of flavor.
• Substitute garlic powder and salt if you do not have any garlic salt on-hand. Or, if you just prefer less sodium, only use garlic powder.

How to Make Buttered Noodles

1. Cook noodles according to the package instructions.

2. After draining the water, immediately add the butter to the pot of cooked noodles. Stir well to fully combine.

3. Sprinkle in the garlic salt while stirring to evenly combine the flavors. If you also want to use garlic powder, stir it in as well.

4. Add the parmesan cheese. Stir well to fully combine.

5. Top with parmesan and, if desired, black pepper. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This buttered noodles recipe makes for a perfect weeknight meal, as it’s quick and easy to prepare. Buttered noodles is a light but hearty meal, which means you can serve this dish any time of the year.

Appetizer - Pasta dishes make wonderful appetizers, and this buttered noodles recipe is no different. You can serve individual portions in ramekins—Emile Henry ramekins and Apilco ramekins stand the test of time—to make it easier for guests to enjoy.

Serve with other appetizers, such as perfectly creamy deviled eggs, cucumber and tomato salad and 7 layer bean dip.

Side Dish - Buttered noodles would also be a great side dish, served next to vegetables, such as cauliflower and broccoli, or roasted chicken.

Entree - As the main event, buttered noodles is a simple, filling meal that stands on its own.

How to Store Buttered Noodles

Consume immediately. Because pasta noodles are high on the glycemic index, it is best to consume this dish immediately. 

Reheating leftover pasta noodles further increases the glycemic index. Plus, reheated noodles tend to get harder as they cool and, thus, don’t taste great.

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