Buttered Noodles
Tender egg noodles tossed in melted butter with a sprinkle of parmesan and black pepper. This simple, comforting side dish comes together in under 15 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a base for your favorite protein.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~8 min
Boil the noodles.
1.Bring 3 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot over high heat.2.Add salt to the boiling water.3.Add egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.TIPSalt the pasta water well — it's the only chance to season the noodles from within. - prep · ~1 min
Reserve water and drain.
1.Scoop out 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.2.Drain the noodles in a colander and shake off excess water. Do not rinse.TIPThe reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce when combined with butter. - mix · ~2 min
Toss with butter and serve.
1.Return the drained noodles to the warm pot over low heat.2.Add butter and toss until fully melted and coating the noodles, about 1 minute.3.Pour in reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until noodles are glossy and loose.4.Turn off heat and fold in grated parmesan cheese and black pepper.5.Transfer to a serving bowl and scatter chopped parsley on top.TIPDon't skip the pasta water — it's the secret to a glossy, restaurant-style finish.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Salt the pasta water generously — it's the only chance to season the noodles from within.
- 2Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; its starch helps bind butter and cheese into a silky coating.
- 3Do not rinse the noodles after draining — the residual starch helps the sauce cling.
- 4Toss the noodles with butter off the heat to prevent the butter from separating or burning.
- 5Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded — it melts smoothly and has far more flavor.
- 6For best texture, cook egg noodles just to al dente — they will continue to soften slightly in the warm butter.
Adapt it for your goals.
Garlic-herb
Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the butter as it melts, and swap parsley for fresh chives or dill — for a more aromatic, savory flavor profile.
high proteinHigh-protein
Toss in 1 cup of shredded rotisserie chicken or browned Italian sausage along with the butter — turns the side dish into a quick, protein-packed main meal.
veganVegan
Use a high-quality vegan butter and a plant-based Parmesan substitute (or nutritional yeast) — delivers the same creamy, buttery taste without dairy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Quick Energy from Carbs
Egg noodles provide readily digestible carbohydrates, making this dish a good option for a pre-activity energy boost or a gentle meal for an upset stomach.
Calcium from Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is naturally rich in calcium, which supports bone health — even a modest 1/4-cup serving contributes to your daily intake.
Low in Added Sugar
This recipe contains no added sugar, making it a simple, whole-ingredient choice for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — just reduce the salt in the pasta water slightly to avoid over-salting, since salted butter already contains about 1/4 teaspoon of salt per 1/2 stick.
