Noodles are a classic side dish that goes well with many main courses and takes only minutes to prepare.
This noodles and company buttered noodles recipe is one of my go-to side dishes for quick weeknight dinners.
Making noodles with butter and broth adds an extra layer of flavor, making them quick to prepare – plus they taste great reheated!
Cooking the Noodles
Noodles make an excellent addition to any meal, whether served as a side or main course. They taste wonderful with some green salad or soup and can even be mixed in with vegetables for a more substantial dish.
Noodles can be found at many grocery stores, particularly the noodle/pasta/fast food sections; Asian stores or online food stores. Be mindful that the type of noodle you select will affect cooking time; therefore it’s essential to read the package instructions carefully before purchasing.
Some noodles are dry, meaning they need to be soaked before boiling; on the other hand, others come packaged in water and can be added directly into the pot. The two primary varieties of noodles are rice noodles and harusame.
Rice noodles sold in Asian supermarkets or online food stores come in various sizes and cook at different rates, making it difficult to determine how long to boil them for. You can check the package to see how long they need cooking, but always start with a rolling boil.
By cooking the noodles quickly, they will set faster and absorb water more easily, helping the starch in the noodles to absorb moisture and rehydrate instead of breaking down into mushy pieces. Furthermore, you can rinse the noodles under cold water at the end of cooking to remove any extra starch that might interfere with sauce adhesion.
Another tip is to drain the noodles in a colander after they have been boiled to prevent them from turning limp. Certain types of noodles become discolored if left in cold water, so it is best to keep them drained until use.
Once the noodles have been drained, rinse them under cool running water and sprinkle a few drops of oil over them to prevent drying out. Stored in the refrigerator, these noodles can remain fresh up to two days before using.
Stirring in the Butter
Noodles and Company buttered noodles are a classic dinner side dish perfect for busy days when you want something quick yet satisfying. Filled with gentle flavors like garlic and herbs and the buttery richness of butter, they’re sure to please any palate!
They make an ideal base for other delicious sauces like Creamy Asiago Chicken, Veggie Stuffed Meatloaf or Brined Pork Chops. No matter who you serve it to, these simple yet delectable morsels are sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
To make buttered noodles, you’ll need some basic ingredients: cooked egg noodles, cubed butter, minced garlic and lemon juice. When everything is ready, add some reserved pasta water and stir to coat the noodles in buttery goodness.
The butter will help the noodles keep their shape and prevent them from getting soggy while cooking. Furthermore, the heat from the noodles will melt the butter into a creamy consistency.
When stirring in butter, it’s essential to do so quickly and thoroughly. Waiting too long may cause the butter not to melt completely, resulting in dry noodles.
Once you’ve added the noodles, cheese and parsley, stir to mix thoroughly. If the noodles appear dry, you may add a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water at a time until your desired consistency is achieved.
Season the noodles to your taste with salt and pepper. Salt adds a lot of flavor, so if you find that your buttered noodles aren’t salty enough for you, add an extra pinch of salt.
For a more robust flavor, brown the butter instead of just melting it. This will give your noodles an aromatic toastiness and richer color as well.
Buttered noodles make an ideal side dish for any family dinner. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they pair nicely with any protein you serve them alongside. Try topping them off with Italian-style meatballs or gravy made from pan drippings if desired. Plus, these gluten-free buttered noodles taste fantastic!
Seasoning the Noodles
Instant noodles are often advertised with advertisements for new flavors and special sauces, but the reality is that much of what we purchase in packets may actually be detrimental to our health.
Ramen noodle soups often contain MSG, an artificial additive found in many foods. It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid – an amino acid responsible for creating proteins within the human body – which provides flavor and nutrition.
Instant noodle soups often include oil package, which adds extra flavor and texture. Unfortunately, due to the high temperatures used during production, this seasoning may discolor or deteriorate quickly.
Consider purchasing instant noodle soups that contain real, dried vegetables, meat and seafood instead of oil packages. This way, you can avoid the oil package while still getting all of the essential nutrients your body needs!
Some manufacturers have even started producing seasoning packets for the noodle broths they sell. Though these may not be as flavorful or texture-enhancing as fresh ingredients, they make it easier to add extra flair and convenience to your soups!
When seasoning noodles, it’s essential not to overpower them. A pinch of lemon zest and some fresh herbs can go a long way but should only be applied directly onto the cooked noodles themselves rather than being diluted in water and then discarded.
For example, you could substitute fresh basil for oregano in this classic buttered noodle recipe for an Italian flair. Or, substitute crushed red pepper for a more fiery kick.
You’ll also want to use plenty of butter when seasoning the noodles, as both fats from butter and chicken broth add an incredible flavor! Toss the noodles in the butter mixture, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garnish with parsley – then enjoy! Best of all? This meal takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish–a one-pot dish so it’s ready when you need it!
Serving the Noodles
If you’re a fan of noodles, Noodles and Company buttered noodles recipe is sure to please. It’s an irresistibly creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course and allows you to save money on pasta purchases.
This Noodles and Company buttered noodles recipe is a quick, straightforward meal that takes only minutes to prepare. You can even make it ahead and freeze it for later – perfect for when you need an easy dinner on any night of the week!
Noodles & Company has become renowned for spreading Uncommon Goodness with its globally inspired noodle bowls, top-notch service, and values-driven culture. As such, it has grown into an impressive national fast-casual chain with more than 460 restaurants nationwide and thousands of dedicated team members.
Noodles has long been a go-to restaurant for families with kids, offering an extensive menu selection and industry leading team member benefits. No surprise then that Noodles was one of Newsweek’s “Top 50 Family Dining” restaurants!
On March 3rd, Noodles is giving away free bowls of noodles to all restaurant employees as a special gesture to recognize their hard work and appreciation. This is an exceptional treat for restaurant personnel and an opportunity for giving back.
When serving noodles as a side dish, make sure it’s flavorful and nutrient-rich. Doing so will help your meal stand out while still allowing the butter to shine through. Salads, soups, or steamed veggies all make excellent accompaniments.
Another excellent side dish to pair with the noodles is roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon. These steamed veggies are packed full of fiber and nutrients, making them the ideal complement to the buttered noodles.
A spicy Korean barbeque sauce is the perfect addition to this dish, giving the noodles an irresistible flavor that’s why it’s a must-try at Noodles & Company. Plus, this nutritious noodle dish pairs perfectly with kale or spinach for extra nutrition.