Sometimes, a bowl of no-fuss Butter Noodles is just the meal you need during a busy or stressful week. My version of Butter Noodles starts with the classic egg noodles and butter before I add in a few peas and a good sprinkle of parmesan for a bit of a modern twist. To keep this 4-Ingredient dish kid-friendly, there is no garlic or lemon. Made in less than 15 minutes!

A white bowl of cooked egg noodles and peas with butter and Parmesan. The white bowl is on top of a green kids napkin with the green kids fork with a small bowl of Parmesan next to it. There is a hand sprinkling Parmesan on top.
5 stars (2 ratings)
“My daughter told me I needed to “introduce this recipe to the world.” She loves it!” -Alyssa
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Let’s face it. As parents, we all have those types of days where we just.cannot.even. in the kitchen. You know what I’m talking about? Those days when practices run late, emotions are running high, and you’re just feeling unmotivated to make any sort of effortful meal.

I’ve been there. You’ve been there. We’ve all been there.

Well, my friends, here’s butter noodles to the rescue. This is one of my go-to recipes on busy weeknights. It’s always a crowd-pleaser with kids (and adults), and it can easily be upgraded from a simple side dish to the main dish, with a variety of ways to customize it. This means you might get your kids to put the peas or the parm in their noodles, most likely not both, and you can add whatever you are feeling like at the moment. For me, I usually add both the peas and the parm, PLUS I toss on there a few toasted pinenuts and a few skillet-cooked shrimp. But you can really let your family’s taste buds be the director of this dinner cruise.

Three reasons why I love this recipe SO much:

  1. You can dress this up for adults, or keep it dressed down for the kiddos
  2. This meal requires practically zero effort – it is made in one pot and takes less than 15 minutes. What more could you ask for?
  3. If you are reading this post about butter noodles, then I know you most likely have a house with babies, toddlers, kids, and adults. This recipe is loved by all!

#momhack – butter noodles taste just as good when reheated the next day and are get to reheat and pack in a thermos for your kids school lunch. It’s a warm, buttery bowl of comfort food at its finest (and easiest!).

Watch Me Make My Kids’ Fave Butter Noodles

Ingredients

Graphic for post, four bowls with ingredients labeled with their names, peas, Parmesan, butter, pasta showing which ingredients you need for this recipe.

Variations

Butter noodles are incredibly versatile! You can even keep half of the noodles regular and add ingredients to the other half, depending on your family’s preferences. Here are some of our favorite variations and additions.

  • Cauliflower
  • Chopped spinach or kale
  • Broccoli
  • Bacon
  • Shelled Edamame
  • Marinara sauce
  • Quartered cherry tomatoes
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese
  • Top with green onions or crispy panko breadcrumbs
  • Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, Italian, or pizza seasonings
  • Chopped Rotisserie chicken
  • Pesto sauce
  • Shrimp sprinkled with paprika
A white bowl of cooked egg noodles and peas with butter and Parmesan. The white bowl is on top of a green kids napkin with the green kids fork with a small bowl of Parmesan next to it. There is a hand sprinkling Parmesan on top.

Get the recipe: Kid-Requested Butter Noodles with Peas & Parmesan

5 stars (2 ratings)
Sometimes, a bowl of no-fuss Butter Noodles is just the meal you need during a busy or stressful week. My version of Butter Noodles starts with the classic egg noodles and butter before I add in a few peas and a good sprinkle of parmesan for a bit of a modern twist. To keep this 4-Ingredient dish kid-friendly, there is no garlic or lemon. Made in less than 15 minutes!
Yield: 4 Servings
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Author: Michele Olivier
Course: Main Course
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Ingredients 

  • 8 oz egg noodles, or other preferred pasta shape
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving
  • 1/3 frozen peas

Instructions 

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add in the pasta. When there are 2 minutes left in the cooking time, add in the frozen peas. Drain pasta and set aside.
    Silver sauce, pan with egg noodles and peas, cooking and boiling water.
  • In the same pot, add the butter, and over low heat, let it melt. Add the pasta and peas back in. Turn off heat.
    Silver sauce pan on a white countertop with cooked egg noodles and peas.
  • Add in the parmesan. Stir until all the noodles are coated with butter and parmesan.
    Silver sauce, pan with cooked egg, noodles, peas, and a sprinkling of Parmesan with butter.
  • Serve and enjoy.
    A big white bowl full of butter noodles with peas and Parmesan on a white countertop.

Notes

Age: 9+ months
How to Store
Store leftover butter noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave safe bowl and sprinkle with a little water, which helps to add moisture so the pasta isn’t too dry. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring until warmed.
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Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).