Buttered Noodles Recipe

If you’re craving a simple yet incredibly satisfying comfort food, this Buttered Noodles Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, combining tender wide egg noodles with rich buttery goodness and a touch of garlic that keeps things interesting. Despite its simplicity, this recipe delivers a silky, flavorful plate of noodles that can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up as a perfect side. Whether you need a quick meal for a busy night or a crowd-pleasing dish for family and friends, these buttered noodles truly shine every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the perfect Buttered Noodles Recipe comes down to a handful of essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role. From the silky butter that coats every strand of egg noodle to the chicken broth that infuses gentle flavor, every component enhances the dish’s texture and taste.

• Wide egg noodles: These noodles provide the ideal chewy and tender texture that holds buttery sauce beautifully.
• Chicken broth: Used as the cooking liquid, it adds a subtle depth and savory flavor compared to plain water.
• Butter: The star ingredient, adding richness and a luscious mouthfeel—don’t skimp on this!
• Garlic powder: Brings a warm and slightly pungent note that elevates the butter without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance all other flavors perfectly.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.

How to Make Buttered Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Bring Broth and Butter to a Boil

Start by heating the chicken broth along with half of your butter in a large skillet until it reaches a rolling boil. This step ensures the noodles will soak up all that buttery, savory flavor as they cook.

Step 2: Add Noodles and Stir

Once boiling, pour in your wide egg noodles. Give them a good stir to make sure every noodle is fully submerged and covered in the flavorful broth. This not only seasons the noodles but helps them cook evenly and absorb moisture.

Step 3: Boil Noodles Until Tender

Allow the noodles to boil gently for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is the window where the noodles soften up and soak in all that precious broth and butter, turning tender yet still slightly firm to the bite.

Step 4: Finish with Butter and Seasoning

Turn off the heat and add the remaining butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the butter has melted completely and seasoned every tender noodle. This finishing touch creates that classic rich, silky coating that makes buttered noodles so irresistible.

How to Serve Buttered Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your buttered noodles is a great way to add freshness and a burst of color. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is perfect because it brings bright, herbaceous notes that cut through the richness and make the dish feel lively and inviting.

Side Dishes

This Buttered Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with almost anything! Try it alongside roasted chicken, grilled veggies, or a crispy salad. It’s a versatile base that complements hearty mains or light accompaniments alike.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, toss the noodles with grated Parmesan or a crumble of feta cheese. You can also add toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of browned butter with fresh sage for a gourmet touch. Serving in individual bowls garnished with herbs makes the dish feel special and comforting all at once.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any buttered noodles left over, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days but be aware the texture might firm up a bit as the butter solidifies. A quick reheat can help bring them back to life.

Freezing

Freezing buttered noodles isn’t the best option because the texture of the egg noodles can change, becoming mushy when thawed. For best results, try to enjoy them fresh, or only freeze small portions if absolutely necessary.

Reheating

To reheat, place the noodles in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir gently until warmed through and silky once again. Avoid using the microwave unchecked, as it can dry out the noodles.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are traditional and ideal, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like fettuccine or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the noodles are perfectly tender.

Is there a dairy-free version of this Buttered Noodles Recipe?

Yes, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or olive oil. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious and creamy. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will keep it fully dairy and animal-product free.

What can I add to make this dish more filling?

For a more substantial meal, toss in cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed vegetables like peas or broccoli. These add texture, flavor, and nutrition that turn your buttered noodles into a complete dinner.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking after cooking?

Make sure you stir the noodles while cooking and add enough liquid so they don’t dry out. If storing leftovers, adding a touch of broth or butter when reheating helps restore that silky texture and keeps the noodles separated.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Definitely! Mince a clove or two of fresh garlic and sauté it gently in the butter before adding the broth. This will give a more pronounced garlic aroma, but be careful not to burn it as fresh garlic can become bitter.

Final Thoughts

This Buttered Noodles Recipe proves that a simple dish can be bursting with comforting flavor and easy to prepare any day of the week. Once you try it, it’s likely to become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire. So go ahead and make a batch—these buttery, tender noodles are ready to bring joy and warmth to your table in just minutes!

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