Butter Noodles
BUTTER NOODLES is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 220 calories per serving. Recipe by Simply Mamá Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $4.70 total, $1.17 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Egg Noodles (extra‑wide or regular works; dried)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces for quick melting)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated; adds salty richness)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped finely; optional garnish)
- to taste Salt (use sparingly; pasta water already salted)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly cracked preferred)
- 0.5 cup Pasta Water (reserved from cooking noodles; keeps sauce creamy)
Instructions
Boil Water
Fill a large pot with water, bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Time: PT3M
Season Water
Add 1½ tablespoons (about ½ tablespoon per quart) of salt to the boiling water.
Time: PT1M
Cook Egg Noodles
Add the 12 oz egg noodles, stir once, and cook according to package directions (7‑9 minutes) until al dente.
Time: PT8M
Reserve Pasta Water
Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of the hot pasta water and set aside in a heat‑proof cup.
Time: PT1M
Drain Noodles
Drain the noodles in a colander, shaking off excess water.
Time: PT1M
Melt Butter in Noodles
Return the empty pot to the stove (off the heat) or use the skillet, add the hot noodles, then add 3 Tbsp unsalted butter. Toss until butter fully melts.
Time: PT2M
Create Creamy Base
Stir in ¼ cup reserved pasta water; mix until a light sauce coats the noodles.
Time: PT1M
Add Cheese and Seasonings
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the noodles, add cracked black pepper, and toss thoroughly. Taste and add salt only if needed.
Time: PT2M
Finish with Parsley
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Transfer the butter noodles to a serving bowl and serve immediately as a side or a noodle vessel for your main dish.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 220
- Protein
- 7 g
- Carbohydrates
- 28 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Egg Noodles: Spaghetti, fettuccine, any dried pasta
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (use unsalted), olive oil (different flavor)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, nutritional yeast (vegan)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Fresh basil, fresh chives
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper, red pepper flakes
- Instead of Pasta Water: Warm broth, milk (non‑dairy)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cheese Grater
- Knife and Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Reserve pasta water before draining
- Melt butter into hot noodles off the heat
- Adjust sauce consistency with pasta water before adding cheese
- Season after cheese to avoid over‑salting
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Reserve the pasta water before draining; its starch is key to a silky sauce.
- For extra richness, finish with a drizzle of high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil.
Troubleshooting
Noodles are dry or clumpy
Add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, and toss until glossy.
Sauce is too watery
Return noodles to low heat and stir; the starch will thicken the sauce.
Over‑salty
Add a bit more unsalted butter or extra pasta water to balance the salt.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or butter.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may become gummy.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; keep covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the noodles a day ahead, toss with a little butter to prevent sticking, and refrigerate. Reheat with a splash of pasta water or fresh butter before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of butter noodles in Italian-American cuisine?
Butter noodles, often called "butter pasta" or "pasta al burro," originated as a simple peasant dish in Italy where butter and cheese were the most accessible flavorings. Italian immigrants brought the concept to America, where it became a quick, comforting side for meat‑heavy meals.
What are traditional regional variations of butter noodles in Italy?
In northern Italy, especially Lombardy and Veneto, butter and Parmesan are classic; some regions add sage or a splash of cream. In the south, olive oil often replaces butter, creating a lighter "aglio e olio" style.
How is butter noodles traditionally served in Italian households?
It is typically served as a first course (primo) or as a side to accompany meat dishes, braised vegetables, or hearty stews. The noodles act as a neutral vessel that soaks up sauces and gravies.
During what occasions is butter noodles commonly prepared in Italian-American families?
Butter noodles are popular for weeknight meals, family gatherings, and as a side for holiday roasts such as pot roast, turkey, or beef brisket because the dish is quick and pairs well with rich gravies.
What other Italian-American dishes pair well with butter noodles?
They pair beautifully with braised short ribs, pot roast, meatballs in tomato sauce, chicken marsala, or any creamy mushroom gravy. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
What makes butter noodles special in Italian-American comfort food?
The dish relies on the synergy of butter, Parmesan, and starchy pasta water to create a silky coating without heavy cream, showcasing how a few pantry staples can produce a luxurious texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making butter noodles?
Common errors include adding salt before the cheese (making the dish overly salty), not reserving pasta water (resulting in a dry sauce), and overheating the butter so it browns or burns.
Why does this butter noodles recipe use reserved pasta water instead of milk or cream?
Reserved pasta water contains starch and salt, which emulsifies the butter and cheese into a smooth sauce while keeping the dish lighter than a cream‑based version.
Can I make butter noodles ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can cook the noodles a day ahead, toss with a little butter, refrigerate in an airtight container, and reheat gently with a splash of water or fresh butter before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the butter noodles are done?
The noodles should be glossy, coated with a thin, velvety sauce that clings to each strand. They should feel moist but not soggy, and the Parmesan should be fully melted.
What does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks specializes in approachable, family‑friendly Latin‑inspired and comfort‑food recipes, often focusing on quick meals that use everyday pantry ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks' approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Simply Mamá Cooks blends traditional Italian‑American techniques with a home‑cooking mindset, emphasizing simplicity, minimal equipment, and personal storytelling, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate plating or advanced techniques.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
