Buttered Noodles

Buttered noodles are a super frugal dish that comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. When I think of recipes that got us through the tough times when money was tight, this is THE recipe.

Whether you need an easy side dish or a satisfying meal on its own, this recipe is a great go-to. It’s cheap and filling, and tastes amazing.

The combination of tender egg noodles, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy texture that’s both familiar and versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when need something warm and filling without much effort.

With a few pantry staples, you can have a satisfying dish ready in minutes. And everyone loves it.

Ingredients For Buttered Noodles

This is one of those recipes that, once you buy the ingredients and make it once, will become a household favorite! And you’ll always keep the ingredients on hand because you never know when you’ll need the best side dish.

• egg noodles
• salt
• butter
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• pepper
• fresh parsley (optional)

Change Up This Recipe!

If you’re out of a few ingredients or looking to customize the dish, there are several easy swaps you can make:

• Noodles: Use any pasta you have on hand, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also work.
  
• Butter: Try olive oil for a lighter option or a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
  
• Cheese: Swap Parmesan for other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
  
• Parsley: Basil, chives, or thyme can add a splash of green to your noodles and a different flavor if parsley isn’t available. But you don’t need parsley, and it’s mostly for color.

What to Serve With Buttered Noodles

Buttered noodles pair well with various dishes, making them a versatile side or base for a meal. Some great options include:

• roasted chicken
• sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers
• meatballs or meatloaf pair well with buttered noodles
• fresh green salad
• garlic bread or crusty rolls for a more filling meal

OR Serve It Alone!

Yes, buttered noodles can be enjoyed as a simple meal on their own. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a satisfying snack.

To make it more substantial, consider adding cooked vegetables, shredded chicken, or a fried egg on top. Try adding canned tuna to make this into a shortcut tuna noodle casserole.

If You Have Leftovers

Store leftover buttered noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make great lunch sides too, if you pack a lunch you can skip the chips and take noodles instead.

To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter to keep them from drying out. The microwave works as well or maybe even better. Just heat in short intervals and stir to maintain the creamy texture.

They don’t do well frozen the cooked pasta gets mushy. If you don’t want or need to make all the noodles feel free to make less the recipe is easy to scale.

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