Who doesn’t love a quick, simple side dish? These Easy Buttered Noodles are the perfect companion for your next meal — flavorful, family-friendly, and ready in minutes.
Easy Buttered Noodles
When I say simple, I mean it. Besides the egg noodles, this recipe uses only a handful of ingredients: butter, salt, garlic powder, and fresh herbs. Together they create a warm, comforting side that pairs well with many mains.
Egg noodles are incredibly versatile — great as a side like this, but also excellent in soups, casseroles, or pasta salads. Serve these hot alongside a saucy entree for a satisfying plate.
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What to serve with Buttered Noodles
These buttered noodles complement a wide range of main dishes. Here are some ideas that pair especially well:
- Roasted or grilled chicken — a simple, juicy bird pairs perfectly with buttery pasta.
- Smoked or roasted pork tenderloin — the noodles balance richer meats nicely.
- Braised short ribs or other slow-cooked beef — the buttery noodles are ideal with a hearty sauce.
- Seared steak — a classic steak-and-pasta pairing for an easy weeknight or weekend meal.
- Pork chops with a mustard or cream sauce — the mild noodles soak up delicious pan sauce.
Of course, these are just suggestions — buttered noodles are a flexible side that works with almost any main.
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Can you use noodles other than egg noodles?
Yes. Egg noodles offer a rich texture that pairs beautifully with butter, but you can substitute whatever pasta you have on hand.
Good alternatives include:
- Fettuccine — Cooked al dente, it gives a broad, satisfying bite. Add parmesan for extra richness.
- Fusilli — The spirals trap buttery sauce, making each forkful flavorful.
- Gemelli — Its twisted shape holds sauce well and gives a slightly more interesting texture.
- Penne — Hollow tubes are great if you want more sauce in every bite.
You can also use vegetable-infused or gluten-free pastas to suit dietary needs. No matter which pasta you choose, the result will be comforting and delicious.
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How to make these into a main dish
These noodles make a great main with a few simple adjustments:
- Larger portions — Serve a bigger helping (two to three scoops) to make the dish more filling.
- Brown the butter — Browning butter adds a nutty, deeper flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Add bright flavors — A squeeze of lemon, capers, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can cut richness and add brightness. Crispy prosciutto or pancetta adds a savory crunch.
- Incorporate cheese — Stirring in mozzarella, parmesan, or another melting cheese creates a creamier, more indulgent main.
- Add protein and vegetables — Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage and vegetables for a balanced, hearty meal. Cooking the pasta and sauce together lets the pan juices deepen the flavor.
Can I use a butter substitute?
Yes. If you avoid dairy, use a margarine, vegan butter, or olive oil. You may want to adjust the seasoning — add a bit more salt or garlic powder if needed. Choose the substitute that best fits your taste and dietary needs.
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Easy Buttered Noodles
These simple buttered noodles combine tender egg noodles, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and fresh herbs for a quick, comforting side.
5 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra-wide egg noodles
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ⅛ cup fresh herbs, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a small skillet and stir in the garlic powder and salt.
- Drain the noodles thoroughly, return them to the pot or a large bowl, and toss with the melted butter mixture.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the noodles, toss gently, and serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 32mg
Sodium: 181mg
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 3g
Nutrition data is an estimate. If you need precise values for medical reasons, consult a trusted nutrition source.
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