Quick & Creamy Buttered Noodles: A 20-Minute Comfort Meal

Buttered Noodles: A Quick and Creamy Dinner Idea

These easy buttered noodles deliver creamy comfort in under 20 minutes and are perfect as a main or a side dish with meatballs.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8 servings | Category: Dinner | Cuisine: American

Why We Love Buttered Noodles

When life gets busy, these buttery pasta noodles come to the rescue. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious bowl of comfort that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, meatballs, or a crisp green salad.

Ingredients for Perfect Buttered Noodles

• 1 (16 ounce) package fettuccine noodles
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Noodles Recipe Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

   Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the fettuccine noodles. Cook until al dente, about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Reserve Some Pasta Water

   Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of hot pasta water. It will help create a silky sauce.

3. Drain and Return

   Drain the noodles and immediately return them to the hot pot off the heat.

4. Toss with Butter

   Add the butter and toss until it’s fully melted and coats every strand.

5. Stir in Parmesan

   Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and a little reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously to form a creamy sauce, adding more water if needed.

6. Season and Serve

   Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or chopped herbs.

Tips & Tricks for Creamy Buttered Noodles

• Use high-quality butter: Adds a rich flavor.
• Freshly grated cheese: Melts better than pre-shredded.
• Reserve pasta water: the starch helps bind the sauce.
• Add garlic or herbs: for an extra flavor boost.

From weeknight dinners to cozy weekend meals, these simple noodles never disappoint. Enjoy every savory bite of these buttery noodles.