The Recipe · No.874 · Buttered Noodles

Buttered Noodles, and Where to Source It

Toss the hot noodles with butter and a splash of their cooking water. That starchy water helps the butter cling into a light sauce instead of pooling at the bottom — the trick that makes even this three-ingredient side taste like more.

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Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep2 min
Cook10 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineAmerican
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat Level Easy
A reasonable little indulgence.
Cook it with
Stovetop
Suits
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
Straight Answers
Can you make Buttered Noodles in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze Buttered Noodles? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Buttered Noodles ahead of time? — Partly

The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.

Is Buttered Noodles gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).

Is Buttered Noodles vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

Part One
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Egg noodles
Wide egg noodles are classic; any pasta works. A good egg noodle.
12 oz
Source it →
Butter
A generous knob of good butter. A cultured butter is best.
4 tbsp
Source it →
Parmesan
A little grated parm and parsley to finish. A real aged parm.
to taste
Source it →
One list, with a link to where to buy each one.
Part Two
The Method
  1. CookBoil the noodles in salted water and save a splash before draining.
  2. TossToss the hot noodles with butter and a splash of the water until glossy.
  3. FinishAdd parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Part Three
The Toolkit

Large pot · Colander · Grater

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