Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buttered egg noodles are incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making them a go-to option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. Their smooth texture and buttery coating appeal to both kids and adults, and they’re endlessly versatile. Whether you use them as a base for saucy dishes or serve them alongside a protein, they always deliver delicious results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Wide egg noodles
Unsalted butter
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Boil the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until tender.
Drain well: Drain the noodles, reserving a small amount of the pasta water if you want to loosen the butter sauce.
Add butter: Return the noodles to the warm pot or a serving bowl. Add the butter and stir until completely melted and the noodles are evenly coated.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Garlic butter noodles: Sauté minced garlic in the butter before tossing with the noodles.
Cheesy noodles: Stir in grated Parmesan or shredded cheese for a richer dish.
Lemon butter noodles: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest for a bright, tangy flavor.
Creamy noodles: Add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Herb butter noodles: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or chives for an herbal twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover buttered egg noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or a bit more butter to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use any type of noodles?

Yes, but traditional egg noodles provide the best texture and flavor. You can substitute with other pasta shapes if needed.

How much butter should I use?

It depends on your preference, but typically 2–4 tablespoons of butter are ideal for a balanced, flavorful coating.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.

Do I need to rinse the noodles?

No, rinsing removes the starch that helps the butter stick. Just drain and toss immediately with butter.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Absolutely. Add cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, or even a fried egg for a complete dish.

Is this a good side for meat dishes?

Yes, buttered egg noodles are a perfect side for roast chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, or beef stroganoff.

Can I freeze buttered noodles?

Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture. Fresh or refrigerated noodles reheat much better.

What herbs go well with this?

Parsley is classic, but thyme, chives, or dill also complement the buttered flavor nicely.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Tossing them in butter while still hot prevents sticking. Stir occasionally if storing for later use.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, kids usually love the mild, buttery flavor and soft texture of egg noodles.

Conclusion

Buttered egg noodles are a timeless, fuss-free dish that never goes out of style. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a versatile side or simple main that’s comforting, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for those nights when you need something quick, easy, and delicious.

Buttered Egg Noodles

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Buttered egg noodles are a simple, comforting dish made with tender egg noodles tossed in rich, melted butter. Perfect as a quick side or light main course, this classic is beloved for its ease and versatility.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiled
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

8 ounces wide egg noodles
2–4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions until tender.
Drain the noodles, reserving a small amount of pasta water if desired.
Return noodles to the warm pot or a serving bowl. Add butter and stir until fully melted and noodles are evenly coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
Garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use 2 tablespoons of butter for a lighter version, or up to 4 tablespoons for richer flavor.
Don’t rinse the noodles—starch helps the butter stick better.
Great base for added proteins or sauces.
Reserve a splash of pasta water to help loosen the butter sauce if needed.
Easily made dairy-free with plant-based butter.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 230
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 190mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg