Sometimes the most comforting meals are the absolute simplest to prepare. A warm, steaming bowl of plain buttered noodles is the ultimate quick-fix comfort food that appeals to picky kids and busy adults alike. Ready in the time it takes to boil water, this dish serves as a fantastic, savory base that pairs perfectly with Food Network’s easy weeknight dinners or stands beautifully on its own.

Origin Buttered Noodles

While pairing pasta with butter has been a foundational technique in European kitchens for centuries, the concept of serving noodles simply tossed with fat and salt transcends one single culture. In Italy, pasta al burro is a time-honored, minimalist dish often used to soothe an upset stomach or to highlight high-quality local dairy, while in American households, it has become a nostalgic staple championed for its minimal prep, much like the reliable sides featured in Simply Recipes’ budget-friendly meal guides.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how incredibly foolproof and budget-friendly this recipe is—you truly only need three basic ingredients to make magic happen on a busy night. It is a wonderfully versatile dish; you can enjoy it in its purest form for a comforting treat, or use it as a blank canvas to toss in fresh herbs, cracked pepper, or grated cheese, making it a lifesaver similar to the highly customizable dishes found in Epicurious’ guide to essential pantry meals.

Also Read : Strawberry Pregnancy Smoothie

Plain Buttered Noodles (Pregnancy-Friendly)

Recipe by Hawk

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Ingredients

8 oz egg noodles (or your favorite pasta shape)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus 1 tbsp for boiling the pasta)
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 7-9 minutes).
Before draining the noodles, carefully scoop out about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
Drain the noodles well and immediately return them to the warm (but off-the-heat) pot.
Add the unsalted butter pieces, kosher salt, and black pepper to the hot noodles.
Toss gently until the butter is completely melted and coats the noodles. (If the noodles seem too dry, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce).
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Flavor Upgrades: While this recipe is for classic plain buttered noodles, you can easily elevate it by stirring in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of garlic powder when you add the butter.
Pasta Choices: Wide egg noodles hold butter beautifully, but farfalle (bowties), penne, or even classic spaghetti work just as perfectly.