Sometimes, a bowl of no-fuss Butter Noodles is just the meal you need during a busy or stressful week. My version of Butter Noodles starts with the classic egg noodles and butter before I add in a few peas and a good sprinkle of parmesan for a bit of a modern twist. To keep this 4-Ingredient dish kid-friendly, there is no garlic or lemon. Made in less than 15 minutes!
Watch How to Make My Fave Butter Noodles
Egg Noodles with Butter and Peas
Let’s face it. As parents, we all have those types of days where we just. cannot. even. in the kitchen. You know what I’m talking about? Those days where practices run late, emotions are running high, and you’re just feeling unmotivated to make any sort of an effortful meal.
I’ve been there. You’ve been there. We’ve all been there.
Well, my friends, here’s butter noodles to the rescue. This is one of my go-to recipes on busy weeknights. It’s always a crowd-pleaser with kids (and adults), and it can easily be upgraded from a simple side dish to the main dish, with a variety of ways to customize it. This means you might get your kids to put the peas or the parm in their noodles, most likely not both, and you can add whatever you are feeling like at the moment. For me, I usually add both the peas and the parm, PLUS I toss on there a few toasted pinenuts and a few skillet-cooked shrimp. But you can really let your family’s taste buds be the director of this dinner cruise.
Three reasons why I love this recipe SO much:
- You can dress this up for adults, or keep it dressed down for the kiddos
- This meal requires practically zero effect—it is made in one pot and takes less than 15 minutes. What more could you ask for?
- If you are reading this post about butter noodles, then I know you most likely have a house with babies, toddlers, kids, and adults. This recipe is loved by all!
#momhack – butter noodles taste just as good when reheated the next day and are get to reheat and pack in a thermos for your kids school lunch. It’s a warm, buttery bowl of comfort food at its finest (and easiest!).
Ingredients
- Pasta: you can use any type or shape of noodle you like. This recipe also works well with gluten-free pasta.
- Butter: I prefer salted butter, but you can also use unsalted butter and then add in a pinch of salt as well.
- Parmesan: you can use freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano, but pre-grated or shredded work as well.
- Peas: we are going easy here, and are using frozen in this recipe. But fresh will also work.
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Variations
Butter noodles are incredibly versatile! You can even keep half of the noodles regular and mix in additions to the other half, depending on your family’s preferences. Here are some of our favorite variations and additions.
- Cauliflower
- Chopped spinach or kale
- Broccoli
- Bacon
- Shelled Edamame
- Marinara sauce
- Quartered cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese
- Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese
- Top with green onions or crispy panko breadcrumbs
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, Italian, or pizza seasonings
- Chopped Rotisserie chicken
- Pesto sauce
Recipe Tips
- Don’t use a pot that’s too small. You’ll want a pot that leaves plenty of room for lots of water and for the pasta to expand as it cooks.
- Stir the pasta as soon as you put it into the pot. This keeps the pasta from sticking together. Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks too.
- Check the cooking time for your pasta. All pasta cooks differently, so be sure to look at the instructions depending on what you are using.
- 8 oz egg noodles, or other preferred pasta shape
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving
- 1/3 frozen peas
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Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
