Parmesan Buttered Noodles
One Pot Parmesan Buttered Noodles are a classic side or quick main dish that is sure to please the whole family. Buttery, salty, and topped with freshly grated Parmesan, this easy pasta recipe comes together in only 20 minutes with common pantry staples.
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The entire family will love these simple noodles and delicious cheesy sauce. I enjoyed them when we served them with my easy recipe, Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs. I also loved these cheesy noodles with my Lemon Pepper Chicken paired with some fresh green beans for an easy meal.
Why should I make this
With a recipe that only takes a handful of simple ingredients
and is ready in only 20 minutes, you can't go wrong with a quick and easy serving of buttery noodles. This mild and comforting dish is kid approved, even by all of those picky eaters.
Like I've mentioned before, it's a versatile dish that can be used as a side or served with some protein and veggies for a complete meal. By adding a simple protein, these garlic butter noodles can be transformed into an inexpensive main meal in no time. Perfect for busy
Let's Gather the Ingredients
- Olive oil: Canola oil will also work.
- Minced garlic cloves: In my opinion, fresh garlic is the way to go, but jarred garlic could be used in a pinch but won't be as flavorful
- Dried ditalini pasta: Or any small pasta.
- Chicken stock: Vegetable stock will also work.
- Dairy: Heavy cream and butter.
- Herbs and spice: salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes
- Grated parmesan cheese: I dont recommend the fake stuff out of the green can.
How to make Parmesan Buttered Noodles
- Step 1: Add olive oil and freshly minced garlic to a skillet and saute.
- Step 2: Pour in chicken stock and ditalini dried pasta. Bring to a boil to cook the pasta.
- Step 3: Reduce heat and add in heavy cream, stir until all is combined.
- Step 4: Add parmesan cheese, butter, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in parmesan cheese. Don't worry, the sauce gets absorbed by the pasta as it cooks over time. Garnish before serving if desired.
Recipe Tips
- In my opinion, real butter adds the best flavor. It doesn't matter if it's salted versus unsalted butter, whatever you prefer.
- This is a very simple dish, although it can be doctored up to be something fancy. Mix in sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or steamed broccoli for a heartier dish.
- Feel free to change up the cheese or add other types of cheese. Try Romano or Asiago for a deeper flavor.
- Add a pop of zing by grating some lemon zest in with the grated cheese and adding the lemon from a lemon wedge before serving this simple pasta recipe.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and should be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe Faq's
Typically, this happens if you use the pre-grated stuff in a green canister. If you find that this continues to happen to you while you’re using this, I suggest you switch to a block of parmesan cheese and grate it straight from the box. I like how it melts better anyway, and I think it usually has more flavor.
You can use any small pasta. Some other favorite pasta
options that would work are:
Orzo – Tiny rice-shaped pasta that gives a creamy, risotto-like texture.
Shells (Small) – Perfect for catching melted butter and Parmesan in each curve.
Penne (Mini)
More Pasta Recipes
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Parmesan Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups dried ditalini pasta
- 3 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large 12 inch skillet on medium high heat and add the olive oil and garlic and sauté about 30 seconds.
- Add in the dried pasta and chicken stock. Bring to a low boil sand cook 9-10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and add in the heavy cream stir until combined.
- Add in the butter, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese and stir until combined. It will look like a lot of sauce but the sauce will absorb into the pasta as it cools.
- Add more salt and pepper to taste and serve!
