Copycat Noodles n' Company Buttered Noodles Recipe

This Noodles & Company's Buttered Noodles recipe is a classic comfort food that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Buttered Noodles History

Buttered noodles, often referred to as "buttered egg noodles," consist of tender egg noodles coated in a rich, velvety butter sauce. It can be customized with various seasonings, herbs, or toppings to suit your taste.

Gathering the Ingredients

To create the perfect copycat buttered noodles, you'll need a handful of basic ingredients:

• Egg Noodles: Choose high-quality egg noodles, either fresh or dried, based on your preference.
• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to have better control over the dish's saltiness.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the pasta and butter sauce.
• Optional Seasonings: You can customize your buttered noodles with herbs like parsley, chives, or dill, as well as black pepper, garlic powder, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Cooking the egg noodles to perfection is the first step in achieving the ideal copycat buttered noodles. Here's how:

• Boiling Water: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt flavors the noodles as they cook.
• Adding Noodles: Carefully add the egg noodles to the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually 6-8 minutes for dried noodles or 2-4 minutes for fresh ones.
• Testing Doneness: Taste a noodle to check for doneness. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it (al dente). Overcooked noodles can become mushy.
• Draining and Reserving: Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, drain them in a colander. Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water for later use, as it can enhance the sauce.

Making the Butter Sauce

Now that your pasta is cooked it's time to make the butter sauce. Here's how to make it:

• Melting Butter: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the desired amount of butter over medium heat. Typically, 2-4 tablespoons of butter per 8 ounces of noodles work well, but you can adjust to your taste.
• Seasoning: If you're using additional seasonings like herbs or spices, add them to the melted butter and stir for a minute to release their flavors.
• Combining Pasta Water: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to the butter and stir until well combined.

Combine your pasta and sauce

Now, it's time to bring the dish together by adding your noodles. Toss the drained egg noodles directly into the skillet with the butter sauce. Gently stir to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. If the noodles seem too dry, you can add a bit more pasta cooking water or butter to reach your desired consistency.

Tips for Making the Best Buttered Noodles

Here are some tips for making the best buttered noodles:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Quality egg noodles and butter make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
• Season Thoughtfully: Don't forget to season your dish with salt and any desired additional seasonings for optimal flavor.
• Serve Promptly: Buttered noodles are best enjoyed immediately while they're hot and fresh.
• For a richer flavor, use salted butter.

Serving Your Buttered Noodles Recipe

• Serve buttered noodles with a side of grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a complete meal.
• Serve buttered noodles as a side dish with your favorite main course, such as roasted chicken, roasted beef, or meatballs.
• Serve buttered noodles as a snack with a side of fresh fruit or vegetables.

Variations on the Noodles & Company Buttered Noodles Recipe

Here are a few variations on the Noodles & Company Buttered Noodles recipe that you might enjoy:

• Garlic Parmesan Buttered Noodles: Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder to the butter mixture before pouring it over the noodles.
• Cheesy Buttered Noodles: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the butter mixture before pouring it over the noodles.
• Bacon Buttered Noodles: Cook ¼ cup of chopped bacon in a small skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and then crumble it. Add the crumbled bacon to the butter mixture before pouring it over the noodles.
• Herb Buttered Noodles: Add ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley or basil to the butter mixture before pouring it over the noodles.

Making This Recipe Gluten Free and Dairy Free Vegan

Gluten Free

To make a gluten free version of this recipe use gluten free egg noodles.

Dairy Free Vegan

It's also really simple to make this into a dairy free vegan version. You'll want to use vegan noodles. For the butter you can substitute dairy free butter alternatives like vegan butter or olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions