How to Make the Perfect Butter Noodles
American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
Butter noodles are a classic kid friendly recipe that comes together in under 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Kids absolutely love the rich buttery flavor and smooth texture that makes this one of the most requested meals in family households.
Why this recipe works
This Butter Noodles recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Boil the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until tender, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Reserve Pasta Water
Before draining the noodles, scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. This water will help create a silkier sauce that clings to every noodle beautifully.
Step 3: Add Butter and Toss
Drain the noodles and return them immediately to the warm pot. Add the butter, garlic powder, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the butter melts completely and coats every noodle evenly.
Step 4: Serve and Top
Divide the buttered noodles into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- egg noodles → spaghetti or fettuccine works great if egg noodles are unavailable
- unsalted butter → vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not salting the pasta water enough which leads to bland tasting noodles
- Adding the butter to noodles that are too cold which prevents it from melting and coating properly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 8g protein, 48g carbs, 11g fat, 2g fiber.
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