Noodles & Company has become a favorite spot for lovers of quick, flavorful pasta dishes. One of their most iconic and beloved menu items is the Buttered Noodles, a simple yet delightful combination of egg noodles, butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Whether you're looking to recreate this at home for a quick and easy dinner or just want to indulge in some cozy comfort food, this recipe is a winner.
Buttered noodles are the epitome of comfort food. The rich butter, combined with soft noodles and the salty, nutty taste of Parmesan, creates a dish that is warm, filling, and deliciously simple. In this blog, we'll walk you through how to make a copycat version of Noodles & Co's buttered noodles at home, along with some tips and variations to customize it to your liking.
Ingredients for Noodles & Co Buttered Noodles
Before diving into the recipe, let's gather the ingredients you’ll need to make these tasty buttered noodles. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this an easy dish to whip up on busy weeknights.
Basic Ingredients:
Egg Noodles: About 12 ounces. Egg noodles are the classic choice for this dish due to their rich texture and flavor, but feel free to substitute with other types of pasta if needed.
Butter: 3 to 4 tablespoons, unsalted. This provides the primary flavor base for the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated. The cheese adds a sharp, salty taste that complements the butter.
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. This is a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, which add a hint of herbaceousness to the dish.
Garlic Powder: Optional but recommended for extra flavor.
Salt: To taste. Salt helps to enhance the flavor of the noodles and bring all the components together.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish, finely chopped.
Optional Add-Ins:
Chicken or Shrimp: If you want to make your meal more substantial, consider adding some grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
Vegetables: Broccoli, peas, or spinach can be stirred into the noodles for added texture and nutrition.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
How to Make Noodles & Co Buttered Noodles
Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it a great option for beginner cooks or those in a time crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Egg Noodles
The first step in making buttered noodles is cooking the egg noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, which helps to flavor the noodles as they cook.
Once the water is boiling, add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. The noodles should be soft but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
When the noodles are cooked to your desired level of doneness, drain them and set them aside.
2. Melt the Butter
While your noodles are cooking, you can start melting the butter. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 3 to 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. You can adjust the amount of butter depending on how rich you want the dish to be.
For an extra flavor boost, you can let the butter brown slightly before adding the noodles. Browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that can elevate the dish to the next level.
3. Combine the Noodles and Butter
Once the butter is melted, add the drained noodles to the skillet. Toss the noodles in the butter, ensuring they are evenly coated. This is where the magic happens — the noodles soak up the buttery richness, creating a soft, velvety texture.
4. Add Seasoning
Next, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder, stirring them into the noodles. The Italian seasoning provides a subtle herbal flavor, while the garlic powder adds a bit of depth. You can adjust the seasoning to taste, depending on how much flavor you want.
5. Mix in the Parmesan Cheese
Now it’s time to add the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan over the noodles and stir to combine. The cheese will melt into the butter, creating a creamy, savory sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
Pro tip: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-shredded kind. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and has a stronger flavor.
6. Taste and Adjust
At this point, give your noodles a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the dish needs more salt or butter, now’s the time to add it. If you prefer your noodles with a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or black pepper.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well-combined and seasoned to your liking, transfer the noodles to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve immediately while the noodles are warm and buttery. Enjoy your homemade Noodles & Co buttered noodles as a side dish or as a satisfying main course.
Tips for Perfect Buttered Noodles
To make sure your buttered noodles turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
1. Don’t Overcook the Noodles
Egg noodles can go from perfectly cooked to mushy in a matter of minutes, so keep a close eye on them as they boil. Aim for an al dente texture, where the noodles are still firm to the bite.
2. Use High-Quality Ingredients
Since buttered noodles are a simple dish, the quality of your ingredients will really shine through. Opt for good-quality butter, freshly grated Parmesan, and high-quality pasta for the best results.
3. Brown the Butter for Extra Flavor
If you want to add a little more depth to your buttered noodles, brown the butter before tossing in the noodles. To do this, simply let the butter cook over medium heat until it starts to turn golden and smell nutty. Be careful not to burn it, as this will give the butter a bitter taste.
4. Customize with Add-Ins
One of the best things about buttered noodles is how versatile they are. You can easily customize the dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. If you want to make the dish a little heartier, feel free to experiment with different ingredients.
Variations of Buttered Noodles
The beauty of buttered noodles lies in their simplicity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. Here are a few variations to try if you want to switch things up:
1. Garlic Buttered Noodles
For a more garlicky flavor, sauté fresh minced garlic in the butter before adding the noodles. This will give the dish a stronger, more aromatic garlic taste.
2. Lemon Buttered Noodles
Add a splash of lemon juice and zest to the butter for a bright, tangy twist. Lemon buttered noodles pair beautifully with seafood like shrimp or scallops.
3. Creamy Buttered Noodles
If you’re in the mood for something richer, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the butter. This will give the noodles a luxurious, creamy texture.
4. Spicy Buttered Noodles
Add some heat to your buttered noodles by sprinkling in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Spicy buttered noodles are a great option for those who love a bit of a kick.
Conclusion
Making Noodles & Co buttered noodles at home is surprisingly easy, and the result is a delicious, comforting dish that the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can enjoy a plate of warm, buttery noodles whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them as a quick meal, these buttered noodles are sure to hit the spot. So why not give them a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!
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