Perfect Buttered Noodles
Creamy, cheesy, and herb-infused, these buttered noodles are ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, this simple recipe combines protein-rich Parmesan, satisfying butter, and fresh herbs for a comforting, flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Equipment
- Medium pot
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces 226 g egg noodles or pasta of choice
- ½ tablespoon salt for boiling water
- 2 ounces 60 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons 42 g unsalted butter
- Handful fresh herbs basil, parsley, or chives, chopped or torn
- Freshly ground black pepper for serving
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta Water: Fill a medium-sized pot with enough water to comfortably cook your noodles, leaving space for stirring. Place it on the stove over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1/2 tablespoon of salt. This seasons the pasta as it cooks, enhancing its flavor from the start.
- Cook the Noodles to Al Dente: Add your 8 ounces of egg noodles (or pasta of your choice) to the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook the noodles for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This ensures that the noodles are slightly undercooked, allowing them to finish cooking later when combined with the sauce, absorbing more flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Before draining, carefully scoop out 1 cup of the hot pasta water and set it aside. This starchy water will help create a creamy sauce later. Then, drain the noodles thoroughly using a colander. Return the drained noodles to the same pot you cooked them in; keeping them warm in the pot helps them absorb the sauce better.
- Combine Butter, Cheese, and Pasta Water: Add 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese directly to the hot noodles. Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Set the pot over very low heat. Using a pair of tongs, gently toss the noodles with the butter and cheese, ensuring every strand is coated evenly. Continue tossing for about one minute until the mixture becomes glossy and creamy.
- Let the Sauce Rest: Remove the pot from heat and cover it with a lid. Allow the noodles to sit for one minute. This resting period lets the pasta absorb the sauce further, enhancing the creamy texture and melding the flavors together.
- Final Toss and Adjust: Remove the lid and toss the noodles a few more times with the tongs. Check the consistency if the noodles seem dry, add a small splash of the remaining reserved pasta water, tossing again to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. If the noodles seem wet, don’t worry—they will absorb the extra moisture as they cool slightly.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Gently fold in a handful of chopped or torn fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or chives. Herbs brighten the dish and add fresh aroma and color. Taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Serve with Finishing Touches: Plate the buttered noodles immediately. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot as a quick weeknight dinner, a side dish for family meals, or a comforting solo meal. The noodles are now perfectly creamy, cheesy, and herb-infused.
- Optional Step: Garlic Butter Variation: For an extra flavor boost, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat and add 1 minced garlic clove. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, then toss this garlic butter with the noodles in place of the regular butter. The result is an irresistible garlic-infused variation of the classic buttered noodles.
Notes
- Use pasta water to create a creamy sauce without adding extra cream.
- Undercook noodles slightly to ensure they absorb the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor and color; adjust quantities to taste.
- Butter quality impacts the final flavor—unsalted European-style butter works best.
- Parmesan can be substituted with Pecorino Romano, Gruyere, or sharp cheddar.
- For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or goat cheese.
- Garlic butter adds depth and aroma for a flavorful twist.
- Toss gently to avoid breaking delicate noodles.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as noodles absorb sauce over time.
- Leftovers can be refreshed with a splash of pasta water or a small pat of butter.
