Butter Noodles
Simple, glossy butter noodles are the kind of comfort food that works as a quick dinner, a kid-friendly lunch, or a side for roast chicken, meatballs, or vegetables. A little pasta water helps the butter turn into a thin
Total
17 min
Servings
4 servings
Level
Easy
Butter noodles are simple, but they are not plain when they are made well. The trick is to coat hot noodles with melted butter and a splash of starchy pasta water, which helps the sauce cling instead of sliding to the bottom of the bowl.
This recipe uses egg noodles, but almost any pasta shape works. Short shapes like rotini and shells catch the butter nicely, while spaghetti or fettuccine feel a little more classic.
Serve these noodles on their own with Parmesan and black pepper, or make them a side dish for chicken, fish, pork chops, or steamed vegetables.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
7 items · 4 servings
- 12 ounces egg noodles, or another pasta shape
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, for the pasta water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to serve
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to serve, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Boil the water
Bring a large pot of water to a full boil over high heat. Add the kosher salt. The water should taste lightly salty, which helps season the noodles from the inside.
2. Cook the noodles
Add the egg noodles and stir right away so they do not stick together. Cook according to the package directions until tender. If using another pasta shape, follow its package time and taste a piece before draining.
3. Save pasta water
Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the hot pasta water and set it aside. This water contains starch from the noodles, which helps make the butter sauce smooth.
4. Drain the noodles
Drain the noodles in a colander. Do not rinse them. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the butter cling.
5. Melt the butter
Return the empty pot to low heat. Add the butter and let it melt gently. Do not let it brown unless you want a nuttier flavor.
6. Toss with butter
Add the drained noodles back to the pot. Toss with tongs or a large spoon until the noodles are coated in butter.
7. Loosen the sauce
Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and toss again. Add a little more water if the noodles look dry. The sauce should look glossy, not watery.
8. Season and serve
Stir in the fine salt, black pepper, Parmesan, and parsley, if using. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top, if you like.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Butter noodles are best right after cooking, when the sauce is glossy. If you need to cook ahead, slightly undercook the noodles by 1 minute, then reheat with a splash of water and a small pat of butter.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The noodles will firm up as they chill.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet or saucepan over low heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water per serving. Stir until loosened, then add a little more butter if needed.
- Pasta swaps: Egg noodles are soft and quick, but spaghetti, fettuccine, elbows, rotini, shells, or bow ties all work. Adjust the cook time to the pasta you choose.
- Butter choice: Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt. If using salted butter, start with less fine salt and season at the end.
- Cheese option: Parmesan adds salty, savory flavor, but you can leave it out for a simpler version. Pecorino Romano works too, but it is saltier, so taste before adding more salt.
Cook's note
For extra flavor, add a small pinch of garlic powder, a squeeze of lemon juice, or 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning when tossing the noodles. Keep the additions light so the butter remains the main flavor.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make butter noodles without Parmesan?
Yes. Parmesan adds flavor, but the noodles are still good with just butter, salt, pepper, and pasta water. Add parsley or a tiny squeeze of lemon if you want a little brightness.
Why are my butter noodles dry?
They probably need more liquid. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon or two at a time and toss until the noodles look glossy. A small extra piece of butter can also help.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
You can, but the flavor will be different. Olive oil makes a lighter pasta, while butter gives the classic rich taste. If you are avoiding dairy, use olive oil or a plant-based butter.
What goes well with butter noodles?
They pair well with roasted chicken, meatballs, sausages, baked fish, sautéed mushrooms, peas, broccoli, or a simple green salad.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes. Cook gluten-free pasta according to its package directions and stir gently, since it can break more easily. Save some pasta water before draining because it still helps the sauce coat the noodles.
05Keep cooking
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