Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles Recipe
If you’re searching for the coziest, most comforting weeknight dinner, look no further than Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles. This dish is a nostalgic classic, taking just 15 minutes and a handful of pantry staples to create a creamy, buttery bowl of noodles that’s pure joy in every bite. Everything cooks together in one pan for maximum flavor (and minimum mess), making it ideal for busy evenings or when only the most deliciously simple food will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles is how just a few humble ingredients transform into a dreamy, golden bowl of goodness. Each element is essential: the noodles soak up all that rich broth, butter brings silken luxury, and a little seasoning and cheese take it to the next level.
- Egg noodles: Their classic, curly shape perfectly holds the buttery sauce and keeps the texture tender without turning mushy.
- Unsalted butter: The heart of the dish, infusing the noodles with luscious, creamy flavor in every forkful.
- Chicken broth (or water with bouillon): This base does double duty—cooking the noodles and building depth for a savory finish. Use broth for the richest flavor.
- Garlic powder: Just a touch wakes up the whole pan and gives these noodles subtle, aromatic warmth.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors—taste and adjust as needed, especially if your broth is already seasoned.
- Black pepper: A pinch adds gentle spice and rounds out the flavor profile of the dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For those who love a hit of nutty, salty richness on top (and honestly, who doesn’t?).
- Chopped parsley (optional): Sprinkling fresh herbs over the top brings color and a fresh, lively note.
How to Make Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles
Step 1: Combine and Simmer
Grab your biggest deep skillet or sauté pan—this is your one and only cooking vessel. Add the egg noodles, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper straight into the pan. Crank the heat up to medium-high and bring the whole mixture to a lively boil. Not only does this start the noodles cooking right away, but it also lets them absorb all that flavorful liquid from the get-go.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Once your pan is bubbling, turn the heat down to medium and let the noodles simmer, uncovered. Give everything a gentle stir now and then—this keeps the noodles from sticking and helps them cook evenly. Let them soak up nearly all the broth, which takes about 8–10 minutes. You want just a little bit of silky liquid left; it’s the secret behind that luscious, saucy finish.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Turn off the heat and slide in the butter. Watch as it melts into the noodles, coating every strand in pure silky goodness. Stir well so that the butter fully blends with the warm noodles and remaining sauce for a glossy, irresistible finish.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to toss in that Parmesan cheese for a subtle, nutty kick and sprinkle over some chopped parsley for color. Serve hot, right from the pan to the plate—these Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles are at their very best when they’re piping hot and freshly stirred.
How to Serve Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles
Garnishes
A shower of grated Parmesan and a scattering of fresh chopped parsley make every serving pop with extra flavor and color. If you love a bit of heat, try a pinch of crushed red pepper or a twist of cracked black pepper right on top.
Side Dishes
Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles are a versatile side! Serve them alongside juicy roasted chicken, tender pork chops, or a pile of simply roasted vegetables. They also shine next to a crisp green salad for balance, or even some sheet pan sausage if you’re feeding a hungry crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
Make these noodles your own by stirring in extras: a handful of peas or sweetcorn for color and sweetness, sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, or bits of rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal. Serve them in small bowls alongside a grazing board, or make them the base for a veggie-packed stir fry.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got a little left in the pan? Let your Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles cool completely, then transfer them into an airtight container. Stored properly in the fridge, they’ll stay moist and tender for up to 3 days—just as tempting for lunch as they were for dinner.
Freezing
While these noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Place completely cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind, the texture may be a bit softer after thawing, but a quick reheat with a splash of broth or water helps refresh them.
Reheating
To bring your Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles back to life, add them to a pan with a splash of broth or water over medium heat. Stir gently until they’re heated through and the sauce is silky again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop is worth the extra minute for maximum flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional (and fabulous), you can swap in any short pasta shape you like—just keep an eye on cooking times, as different pastas may need more or less liquid.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and skip the Parmesan (or use a vegetarian-friendly version) to make your Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles completely meat-free.
Can I add protein or veggies?
Definitely! Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked sausage, or toss in quick-cooking veggies like peas, spinach, or mushrooms to make this dish a complete meal.
What if I don’t have Parmesan?
No worries—a bit of any grated hard cheese (like Romano or Asiago) works beautifully, or you can simply enjoy the buttered noodles as they are for pure comfort food.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Give your noodles a stir every couple of minutes while they simmer. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them from sticking to the bottom of the pan, ensuring perfectly tender buttered noodles every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles—simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. It’s the ultimate comfort dish for busy nights or when you need a taste of home. So grab your skillet, gather these everyday ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of pure happiness tonight!
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Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously simple and quick to make, these Easy One Pan Buttered Noodles are a perfect side dish for any meal. Tender egg noodles cooked in flavorful broth and butter, with a hint of garlic and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
- 12 oz egg noodles
Butter:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
Chicken Broth:
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Additions (Optional):
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large deep skillet, mix egg noodles, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Cook Noodles: Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes until noodles are tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Add Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, use broth instead of water. Add peas, chicken, or mushrooms for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
