The Best Buttered Noodles Ever
The Best Buttered Noodles Ever! is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Kellie Hemmerly - The Suburban Soapbox on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 20 min
Cost: $3.63 total, $1.81 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Wide Egg Noodles (dry, about 225g)
- 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder (regular granulated)
- 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt (for boiling water)
- 0.25 tsp Salt (for seasoning noodles)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 0.25 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Boil Water and Salt
Fill the large pot with 4–5 quarts of water, bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then add 1 Tbsp kosher salt and stir.
Time: PT2M
Cook Noodles
Add the wide egg noodles, stir once, and cook according to the package directions (about 8 minutes) until al dente.
Time: PT8M
Drain Noodles
Drain the noodles in a colander and immediately return them to the hot pot.
Time: PT1M
Add Butter
Add 2 Tbsp butter to the hot noodles. Let it melt; for extra flavor, let the butter brown lightly for 1–2 minutes.
Time: PT1M
Season Noodles
Sprinkle 0.25 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, and 0.25 cup grated Parmesan over the noodles. Toss thoroughly so the seasoning reaches every crevice.
Time: PT1M
Finish with Herbs
Stir in 1 Tbsp chopped parsley, optional 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently.
Time: PT30S
Serve
Transfer the noodles to a serving bowl, top with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.
Time: PT30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Wide Egg Noodles: Spaghetti, Fettuccine
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil (for lighter flavor)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grated Asiago
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Table salt (use 2/3 amount)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs
- Serving Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season the boiling water heavily so the noodles are flavorful from the start.
- Melt (or brown) the butter completely before mixing it with the noodles.
- Evenly coat the noodles with garlic powder and Parmesan to avoid pockets of raw seasoning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, brown the butter until it smells nutty before adding it to the noodles.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Troubleshooting
Noodles clump together after draining.
Toss immediately with melted butter while still hot; add a little extra butter if needed.
Dish is too salty.
Add more noodles or a splash of milk to balance; reduce added salt next time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or extra butter.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture becomes mushy after freezing.
Room temperature: Best eaten immediately; can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook noodles al dente, rinse briefly with cold water, and store in the fridge; reheat with butter and a splash of milk.
- Mix butter and Parmesan together ahead of time and stir in when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of buttered noodles in American comfort food cuisine?
Buttered noodles have long been a staple of American home cooking, especially during the mid‑20th century when quick pantry meals were prized. They embody the simplicity of comfort food, offering a warm, satisfying base that can be dressed up or down for any meal.
What are traditional regional variations of buttered noodles in the United States?
In the Midwest, buttered noodles are often enriched with shredded cheddar and served alongside meatloaf. In the South, a pinch of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce is added for a spicy kick. The West Coast version may include fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a lighter feel.
How were buttered noodles traditionally served in American households?
They were typically served as a side dish at family dinners, paired with meatballs, roasted chicken, or a simple salad. Many families would top them with extra grated cheese and a drizzle of melted butter right before the plate arrived.
On what occasions or celebrations are buttered noodles commonly enjoyed in American culture?
Because they are quick and inexpensive, buttered noodles show up at potlucks, casual brunches, and even as a comfort food after a long day. They’re also a go‑to for college students and busy parents looking for a fast, satisfying meal.
How does buttered noodles fit into the broader American cuisine tradition?
The dish reflects the American love for convenience and flavor‑boosting pantry staples. It sits alongside other simple comfort foods like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and grilled cheese, highlighting the tradition of turning basic ingredients into hearty meals.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for buttered noodles versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the dish uses wide egg noodles, unsalted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Substitutes can include any pasta shape, melted margarine or olive oil, Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan, fresh minced garlic, and dried parsley if fresh isn’t on hand.
What other American dishes pair well with buttered noodles?
Buttered noodles complement meatloaf, baked chicken thighs, pork chops, and grilled salmon. They also pair nicely with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a tomato‑based sauce for a more substantial meal.
How has the simple buttered noodle dish evolved over time in American home cooking?
While the original version was just butter, noodles, and salt, modern twists add garlic powder, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and even brown butter for depth. Today’s home cooks also experiment with gluten‑free pasta, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast for a dairy‑free version.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making buttered noodles?
Common errors include under‑salting the cooking water, overcooking the noodles so they become mushy, and adding butter after the noodles have cooled, which prevents proper coating. Also, be careful not to over‑season with garlic powder, as it can become gritty.
Can I make buttered noodles ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Cook the noodles al dente, rinse briefly with cold water, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little extra butter or a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
What does the YouTube channel Kellie Hemmerly - The Suburban Soapbox specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kellie Hemmerly - The Suburban Soapbox specializes in quick, easy, and budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that focus on comfort food classics and pantry‑based meals for busy families.
How does the YouTube channel Kellie Hemmerly - The Suburban Soapbox's approach to quick comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Kellie Hemmerly - The Suburban Soapbox emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, step‑by‑step narration, and practical tips for everyday cooks, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate plating or exotic ingredients. Her videos are designed for real‑world kitchens with limited time.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
