Lemon Buttered Noodles
Quick, easy, and effortlessly scrumptious, lemon buttered noodles are here to brighten your mealtime lineup! This simple pasta dish is the perfect side dish for a variety of main courses or can stand alone as a comforting and flavorful meal. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delicious recipe in no time.
Lemon buttered noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish that fits any day of the week. Made by tossing cooked pasta in a rich, buttery sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors. A sprinkle of parsley and grated Parmesan adds a fresh and savory touch, making it an ideal side dish or light main course. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, lemon buttered noodles are a go-to choice for a quick, delicious meal.
Ingredients
To whip up these delightful lemon buttered noodles, here’s what you’ll need. Don’t worry; all quantities are listed in the recipe card below for quick reference.
- Egg Noodles: These are the foundation of the dish. Their soft texture works beautifully with the butter sauce.
- Salt: Don’t skip salting the pasta water; it’s the first layer of flavor for your noodles.
- Low Fat Butter: Adds a creamy richness without being too heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Shredded or grated, it provides salty, cheesy goodness to balance the tangy lemon.
- Ground Black Pepper: A little spice goes a long way in uplifting the flavors.
- Lemon: You’ll need both the juice and zest to create that refreshing, citrusy flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and a fresh touch.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Lemon Buttered Noodles
This recipe couldn’t be simpler. Here’s a quick overview of the steps to follow. The full detailed instructions are in the recipe card below!
Step 1: Cook the noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the noodles.
Step 2: Make the butter sauce: Melt butter in the same pot over medium-low heat. Add the drained noodles, reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and black pepper. Stir until the noodles are coated and the cheese melts into the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Protein: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or some protein pasta for a heartier meal.
- Add Veggies: Sauteed zucchini, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes mix beautifully with the buttery, lemony sauce. You can also add a handful of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano for added flavor.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter with olive oil and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage
- Storage: Place the cooled noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Heat the noodles over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to prevent the dish from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
💡 Pro Tips
- To prevent the noodles from sticking together, toss them with a drizzle of oil before storing in the fridge or freezer.
- You can also mix in some fresh herbs or chopped vegetables to add more flavor and nutrition to your reheated noodles.
What to Serve with Lemon Buttered Noodles
This noodle dish is more of a side for me. I love to have protein as my main dish. Something like this Air Fryer Cajun Chicken or some Air fryer Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs.
If you like beef more than chicken, then try this Air Fryer Rib Eye Steak.
FAQ
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional for this recipe, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles for a twist. I love to make this with protein pasta to give me a bit more of a protein boost.
That’s an easy fix! Reduce the sauce over medium heat for another minute or two, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your liking.
Lemon Buttered Noodles
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Colander
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Lemon juiced
- Salt
- 3 tablespoons low fat butter
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese Fat Free
- Pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt well.
- Boil the noodles according to the package directions, just until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside.
- Pour the noodles into a colander to drain off the excess water.
- In the large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the noodles back to the pot along with the reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and pepper to taste. Stir well then top with fresh parsley right before serving.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Nutrition
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