Perfect Buttered Noodles
This recipe creates simple yet satisfying buttered noodles using just three ingredients: egg noodles, butter, and Parmesan cheese. It's a quick and easy comfort food classic that can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect as a side dish or a light main.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For boiling noodles
- 1 Colander For draining noodles
- 1 Large Skillet or Pan For combining noodles and butter
- 1 Measuring Spoons For butter
Ingredients
Main
- 12 oz. egg noodles
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 0.25 c. freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the egg noodles to the boiling water.
- Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Drain the cooked noodles using a colander.
- While the noodles are still warm, melt the butter in a large skillet or the empty pot used for boiling.
- Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the melted butter.
- Add a splash (1/4 to 1/2 cup) of the reserved pasta water to the noodles and butter.
- Toss the noodles vigorously until the butter and water emulsify into a light sauce.
- Remove from heat and immediately toss with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until evenly coated. Serve hot.
Notes
For truly 'perfect' buttered noodles, use high-quality butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Cook the noodles al dente according to package directions, reserving some pasta water before draining. After melting the butter in the pan, add the drained noodles and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously; the starch in the water will emulsify with the butter, creating a light, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles. Toss with Parmesan off the heat. Consider adding a pinch of black pepper or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra flavor.