How to Make the Perfect Cheesy Butter Noodles
American · Easy · 17 min · 4 servings
This simple pasta dish combines tender egg noodles with rich butter and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting meal kids cannot resist. It is ready in under 20 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and satisfying.
Why this recipe works
This Cheesy Butter Noodles recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 17 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 12g 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 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp whole milk
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Boil the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain the noodles and return them to the warm pot immediately.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Add the butter to the hot drained noodles and stir until fully melted and coating every noodle evenly. The residual heat from the noodles will melt the butter quickly.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Milk
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and pour in the milk then stir continuously until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Add garlic powder and salt and stir again to combine.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Divide the cheesy noodles into bowls and serve right away while the cheese is still gooey and warm. Kids love this best fresh off the stove.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- egg noodles → rotini or penne pasta
- cheddar cheese → American cheese slices
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding cheese before draining the pasta which causes it to clump
- Letting the noodles sit too long before adding butter which makes them stick together
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 12g protein, 48g carbs, 16g fat, 2g fiber.
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