“`html
If you’re craving comfort food with minimal fuss, this Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender egg noodles cooked right in a savory broth, kissed with garlic and a generous amount of butter, then finished with a creamy Parmesan touch. From start to finish, it all happens in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and flavor front and center. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy side dish, these buttered noodles deliver warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture in this recipe. Each component plays a unique role, layering buttery richness, subtle aromatics, and cheesy goodness that transform plain noodles into an irresistible dish.
- 12 oz egg noodles: The ideal pasta choice here—they cook quickly and hold sauce beautifully.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: This infuses the noodles with flavor while cooking them to tender perfection without extra steps.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter adds luscious richness and helps create that silky coating on each noodle strand.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth that wakes up the buttery base.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: A subtle savory note that complements garlic and cheese nicely.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors; be sure to taste as you go!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the creamy elements.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the noodles for a nutty, cheesy finish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a touch of herbal freshness.
How to Make Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by placing the egg noodles and broth into a large skillet or saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cooking the noodles directly in broth not only saves time and dishes but also infuses each noodle with rich flavor as they simmer until tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, reduce the heat to low and get ready to add your butter and seasonings.
Step 2: Add Butter and Seasonings
Now, it’s time to stir in the butter so it melts smoothly, coating the noodles with creamy richness. Add the minced garlic along with onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors distribute evenly across every noodle. This step creates a beautifully aromatic base that makes the dish feel warm and inviting.
Step 3: Incorporate Cheese
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles and stir gently but thoroughly, allowing it to melt and form a velvety, cheesy sauce. If the mixture looks a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up — that’s the beauty of this one pan recipe, you can adjust the texture to your liking right here.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Once the cheese is fully incorporated and the noodles have that irresistible creamy coating, they’re ready to serve hot. Top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, vibrant accent that brightens the entire dish. Now you’re ready to dive into bowls of scrumptious, buttery goodness!
How to Serve Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish that brings a lovely contrast to the rich butter and cheese, but feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch. A little freshly grated lemon zest can also brighten the dish and elevate those buttery flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance richness, roasted vegetables for a warm and hearty meal, or your favorite protein like grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to turn this noodle dish into a satisfying main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon portions of these buttered noodles into warm, shallow bowls and top with a poached egg to add richness and extra protein. You can also toss in some steamed peas or sautéed mushrooms during the last step of cooking for added color and texture. Presentation is all about making this familiar dish feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover buttered noodles make excellent next-day lunches or quick dinners. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the texture just right.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, it’s best to do so without the parsley garnish to maintain freshness. Portion the noodles into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Be aware that the texture might soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavors will still shine.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to bring back the creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and finish with a quick sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or parsley before serving to revive the original vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles work beautifully for their delicate texture and quick cooking time, feel free to swap in shells, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed based on the pasta size and shape.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version. For vegan, swap butter for a plant-based butter alternative and replace Parmesan cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to keep that savory, cheesy flavor.
How can I make this dish creamier?
To amp up the creaminess, add an extra tablespoon or two of butter and increase the Parmesan cheese slightly. A splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking can also help create an ultra-silky sauce.
Can I add protein directly to the one pan buttered noodles?
Yes! You can toss in precooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through. Just make sure any protein is fully cooked before adding to keep the timing perfect.
What should I do if the noodles absorb all the broth before fully cooked?
If the noodles soak up the broth too quickly and are still undercooked, simply add a bit more broth or water in small increments, stirring as you cook, until the noodles are tender. This flexibility is one of the great advantages of this one pan recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone who loves simple, comforting meals without a mountain of dishes. Its straightforward ingredients and speedy preparation make it perfect for busy nights or whenever you crave a bit of cozy indulgence. I hope you give this buttery, garlicky, cheesy noodle dish a try soon—you might just find it becoming a staple in your home, just like in mine!
“`
Print
Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy comforting pasta with a rich buttery flavor, fragrant garlic, and creamy Parmesan cheese all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, it requires minimal ingredients and delivers cozy, flavorful noodles in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles (or preferred pasta)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the egg noodles with the broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook the noodles for 8 to 10 minutes until they are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Once cooked, reduce the heat to low to prepare for the next steps.
- Add Butter and Seasonings: Stir in the unsalted butter into the hot noodles until it melts completely. Add minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful seasonings.
- Incorporate Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles and stir continuously until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce that coats every noodle. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the buttered noodles hot, finished with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if desired, to add a fresh and vibrant touch to this comforting dish.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer, but egg noodles cook quickly and absorb flavors well.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add a splash of broth or water if the noodles become too dry before serving.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice color and freshness to the dish.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger servings.
