Who doesn’t love a quick, simple side dish? These Easy Buttered Noodles are perfect for any meal. Full of flavor and a hit with all ages, they come together in minutes and pair beautifully with a wide variety of mains.
Easy Buttered Noodles
When I say simple, I mean it. Besides the egg noodles, this recipe uses just a few pantry staples: butter, salt, garlic powder, and fresh herbs. The result is a comforting, buttery side that complements saucy mains and hearty proteins.
Egg noodles are wonderfully versatile—great in side dishes like this, and also ideal for soups and pasta salads. Cook them al dente for the best texture, then finish with butter and herbs for an effortless crowd-pleaser.
What to Serve with Buttered Noodles
These noodles pair well with many proteins and mains. A few great options include:
- Traeger spatchcock chicken or other roasted chicken
- Smoked or stuffed pork tenderloin
- Braised beef short ribs or slow-cooked beef
- Reverse-seared hanger steak or grilled steaks
- Pork chops with a creamy Dijon sauce
While those mains are especially delicious alongside buttered noodles, these noodles also make a versatile side for practically any entree—seafood, poultry, pork, or vegetarian mains.
Can You Use Different Pasta?
Yes. Egg noodles are my top pick for the rich texture they add, but you can use whatever pasta you have on hand. Cook to al dente and toss with the butter mixture.
Good substitutes include:
- Fettuccine — cooks al dente and offers a broad surface for coating with butter; add grated Parmesan if desired.
- Fusili — spirals that trap buttery sauce in their grooves.
- Gemelli — twisted shapes that hold sauce well and look a little different for a special touch.
- Penne — tubular pasta that provides satisfying bites and captures sauce inside.
Vegetable-infused pastas or gluten-free varieties also work; just adjust cooking time as needed. Whatever pasta you choose, this simple preparation is reliably tasty.
How to Make These a Main Dish
Although intended as a side, you can easily turn these buttered noodles into a satisfying main by adding a few elements:
- Larger portions — serve 2–3 scoops instead of one to make the portion filling.
- Brown the butter — browning the butter adds a deeper, nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- Add bright flavors — a squeeze of lemon and a handful of capers cut the richness and add brightness. Crispy prosciutto crumbles are a decadent touch.
- Bring on the cheese — stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, or a melty cheese for creamier, richer noodles.
- Add protein or vegetables — sautéed shrimp, chicken, or thinly sliced steak make the dish hearty. Cook veggies in the same pan to capture pan flavors and deglaze to incorporate those browned bits into the noodles.
Can I Use a Butter Substitute?
Yes. If you need a dairy-free or vegan option, use a plant-based butter spread, margarine, or olive oil. Be aware that substitutes can affect flavor and salt level—taste and adjust seasoning as needed. A little extra garlic powder, salt, or fresh herbs will help boost the flavor when using a substitute.
Easy Buttered Noodles
Rating: 4.7 Stars (12 Reviews)
Tender egg noodles tossed with melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and fresh herbs for a quick and comforting side dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra-wide egg noodles
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (or substitute)
- 1/8 cup fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, chives, or a mix)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente.
- While the noodles cook, melt the butter in a small skillet and stir in the garlic powder and salt.
- Drain the noodles thoroughly and return them to the pot or a serving bowl.
- Toss the hot noodles with the butter mixture so they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the noodles, toss gently, and serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 130 · Total Fat: 7g · Saturated Fat: 4g · Cholesterol: 32mg · Sodium: 181mg · Carbohydrates: 14g · Fiber: 1g · Protein: 3g
Nutrition data is an estimate. Consult a trusted source if you require precise information for medical reasons.
