Easy Parmesan Buttered Noodles

This buttered noodles recipe does double duty as a full-blown dinner or a side for chicken, surf, or turf. Bonus: it uses just 4 ingredients!

Easiest Buttered Noodles

We’re not yet two weeks into 2014, so I think that technically I can squeeze in one more ode to 2013, right?

2013 was a great year, a fabulous year in fact. It was filled with amazing opportunities and new relationships that came my way thanks to this sweet lil’ blog o’ mine. Sing that 3 times fast to the Axl’s Sweet Child O’ Mine and you’ll feel my vibe.

While I’ve already declared my word for 2014, with 365 days to cover there’s certainly room for one more. And most likely a few others too. That’s why I’m adding this one to the hat: Simplify.

One thing I heard over and over from friends and family in 2013 was this: “I was going to call you, but you’re SO BUSY,” or “I was going to ask you to go/stay/play but you’re SO BUSY.”

Was I really THAT busy? TOO busy for my family and friends?

I suppose I made it seem that way. Since it seemed that my standard answer when people asked, “How are you doing?” was some form of, “Things are good, I’m just really busy / I was up late last night finishing things up / Sorry I’m not going to make it, I have to get this done.” It’s no wonder my dance card seemed too full to them. Maybe I played the martyr one time way too many.

2013 was the year for me being a lame friend, family member, and hostess. Which is why I’m adding the word Simplify to my list of words for 2014. Simplify and don’t make things so hard. Simplify and stop making things SEEM so hard.

My friend Courtney wrote a post about this, and she coaches me about it all of the time. I just have to learn to listen. She’s smart that way. Well Courtney, as my mom the pre-school teacher says, I’ve put on my listening ears and I’m ready. So why not start in the kitchen?

There are plenty of complicated pasta recipes out there, some with sausage, some with shrimp and some that play happily with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. But sometimes the simplest are the most satisfying. My easy Parmesan pasta is exactly one of those recipes.

Simple noodles, butter, salt and pepper and creamy parmesan topped with a sprinkling of parsley. This buttered noodles recipe does double duty as a full-blown dinner or a side for chicken, surf or turf. It’s easy that way.

What’s Needed for Buttered Noodles?

To make these easy Parmesan cheese noodles, all you need is:

Fettuccine noodles
Butter
Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and pepper
Fresh parsley

How to Make Buttered Noodles

Simply cook the noodles until al dente (exact timing will be listed on the package), then reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Add butter to the still-warm pot to melt. Toss with the noodles, then add the grated Parm and some of the pasta water to loosen things up. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?

Yes, any long, thin pasta will work for this Parmesan pasta recipe.

Tips for Making Buttered Noodles

Because this is such an easy noodle recipe, it’s important that you use the best quality ingredients you can. Buy a block of Parmesan and shred it yourself, or buy a high-quality shredded Parm at the store. Avoid the powdered stuff in the shaker can.

Don’t cook the noodles past al dente, otherwise you’ll wind up with a plate of mush.

Lastly, be sure to salt the pasta water generously before adding the noodles. You want the noodles themselves to have some flavor too!

More Easy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment below or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.

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