This parmesan noodles recipe takes simple ingredients, like pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese, and transforms them into one of the easiest, most satisfying side dishes you can make. The butter coats the noodles, the Parmesan melts into a light, creamy sauce, and together they create a pasta that’s rich, comforting, and incredibly versatile and easy to make, a true weeknight lifesaver.
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Why This Is The Best Parmesan Noodles Recipe
I may be alone here, but thinking about parmesan noodles brings me back to the good ol' days as a kid growing up around the dinner table. I have countless memories of my parents whipping together a plate of creamy noodles multiple times a week. Whether it was served as a side or in a bowl of its own, these delicious noodles were always on the menu, no matter the season.
As a parent myself, I can now see why those parmesan noodles were such a staple in the house. Not only are they super easy to make, but this pasta recipe also only requires four simple common ingredients that you're almost guaranteed to have at your house.
Another thing I love is that the process of making these parmesan noodles could not be more straightforward. You simply cook your choice of pasta, toss it with some melted butter, and then add in some parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
If you’re thinking of making these parmesan noodles as a tasty side, I highly recommend pairing them with an equally delicious main dish. This ranch chicken recipe, this meatloaf with stuffing recipe, and this panko breaded chicken recipe are a few of our favorites to pair with 'em.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these parmesan noodles:
- 8 oz long noodles of choice (I used fettuccine noodles)
- 3 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 Cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic cloves (optional)
By the way, I use a lot of these same ingredients to make this shrimp pasta, this spinach pasta, and this creamy carbonara. So, if you've got some extra noodles, butter, and/or parmesan cheese, I highly recommend giving one of those recipes a shot.
Ingredient Substitutions and Suggestions
One of the reasons I love this parmesan noodles recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily swap ingredients or add your own twist to make it fit your pantry and taste preferences.
Switch Up the Pasta:
- Fettuccine is the classic choice since it holds onto the butter and cheese so well.
- Spaghetti or angel hair pasta also work great (angel hair is my wife’s favorite, so we make it that way often).
- In a pinch, I’ve even made these cheesy buttered noodles with egg noodles, and they turned out delicious.
Try Different Cheeses:
- Freshly grated Parmesan delivers the best flavor and creamy melt.
- Good substitutes: Asiago, Pecorino Romano, Romano, or Grana Padano.
- Each adds its own unique character—sharp, nutty, or salty—so you can experiment.
Add Garlic for Extra Flavor:
- To make garlic parmesan noodles, sauté 1 teaspoon of minced garlic in the butter until fragrant before tossing in your pasta and cheese.
- The garlic-infused butter gives the dish a deeper, more savory flavor.
How to Make Parmesan Noodles
As I mentioned earlier, these parmesan noodles are ridiculously easy to make. All in all, you’re looking at approximately 8 minutes of cooking time, which is mainly accounted for cooking your pasta. Everything else can be done in a flash and only requires one extra pan. So, once your noodles are ready, you’re well on your way to a delicious dinner. With that said, I now present you with the ultra-easy steps to make these delicious parmesan noodles.
Step 1: Cook The Noodles
You’ll want to start by cooking the noodles per the package directions in a large pot. I like to cook pasta al dente, so shoot for approximately 6-8 minutes, depending on your pasta.
Once your noodles are cooked to your liking, set aside ½ cup of starchy pasta water. Then, you can drain the pasta and set it off to the side as well.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and add the noodles
Next, melt the butter in a skillet over low heat. This is also the time when you'll want to add in some minced garlic - that is, of course, if you're planning on making garlic parmesan noodles. Once the butter has melted, you can add the cooked noodles to the skillet and gently toss them all together. You want to make sure all of the cooked noodles are coated in butter - and minced garlic if using it - and have reached a nice consistency throughout.
Step 3: Add Parmesan Cheese
Now you can add the parmesan cheese to your buttered pasta and, if desired, ¼ cup of pasta water. Just make sure to stir everything as you go. The idea is to use the pasta water with the Parmesan cheese, as it helps melt everything together with the buttered noodles.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finally, you can add a little salt and plate up your garlic parmesan pasta. Then garnish with additional grated or shredded parmesan cheese before serving. A pinch of freshly ground black pepper and fresh parsley goes great on top of i,t too.
Expert Tips To Make The Best Parmesan Noodles
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest parmesan noodles, grate it yourself.
- Save some pasta water. Adding a splash of starchy pasta water when tossing the noodles with butter and Parmesan helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook until just al dente so the noodles stay firm enough to hold up to the rich, buttery cheese sauce. Overcooked pasta turns mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Warm the bowl or pan. Tossing your noodles in a warm skillet (or even a warm serving bowl) keeps the butter and cheese from cooling too quickly and clumping.
- Enhance the flavor garlic and herbs. For garlic parmesan noodles, sauté minced garlic in butter before adding the pasta. Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds freshness and color.
- Serve immediately. Parmesan noodles are at their best when enjoyed hot off the stove, while the sauce is still glossy and smooth.
Parmesan Noodles FAQS
What are parmesan noodles?
Parmesan noodles are a simple buttered pasta tossed with Parmesan cheese and a little starchy pasta water to create a light, glossy sauce. The pasta water helps the butter and cheese melt together so you get creamy noodles without using heavy cream.
What kind of pasta works best for parmesan noodles?
Almost any pasta works, but long noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine cling to the sauce really well. Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells also work if that’s what you have. The only thing that changes is how much pasta water you need to get the sauce to coat evenly.
Why do I need to save pasta water?
That starchy pasta water is the secret to making the sauce smooth. It helps emulsify the butter and Parmesan into a silky coating instead of a greasy butter layer with clumps of cheese. Add it a little at a time so you can control how saucy the noodles get.
How much pasta water should I add?
Start with ¼ cup, toss, then add more as needed. Some pastas need a little more water to turn the cheese into a sauce, especially if the noodles are thick or the pasta has cooled slightly. Add small splashes until the noodles look glossy and coated, not dry.
Why is my Parmesan cheese clumping or turning stringy?
This usually happens when the heat is too high or when you add cheese too fast. Lower the heat, add the Parmesan gradually, and toss continuously. Using finely grated Parmesan helps it melt more smoothly. If it clumps, add another splash of hot pasta water and keep tossing to bring it back together.
Should I use grated Parmesan in a shaker bottle or freshly grated?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better and gives the sauce a smoother texture. The shaker-style Parmesan can work in a pinch, but it’s more likely to taste salty and can turn grainy because it doesn’t melt as cleanly. If you want the best result, use freshly grated.
Can I add garlic?
Yes. Garlic is an easy upgrade. Cook minced garlic in the melted butter just until fragrant, then add the pasta. Do not brown the garlic, or it can turn bitter. If you want a stronger garlic flavor without risking burning it, add a small pinch of garlic powder at the end.
How do I make parmesan noodles creamier without cream?
Use more pasta water and toss longer. The more you toss, the more the butter, cheese, and starchy water emulsify into a creamy sauce. You can also add an extra tablespoon of butter or more Parmesan, but the real creaminess comes from the pasta water turning the cheese into a sauce.
How do I keep parmesan noodles from drying out?
Parmesan pasta thickens as it sits. If it looks dry after a few minutes, stir in a splash of hot pasta water or warm water and toss again. This loosens the sauce and brings back the glossy finish.
Can I make parmesan noodles ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can make them ahead if needed. After cooking the noodles, let them cool and then store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.
How do I reheat parmesan noodles without it getting clumpy?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth, tossing constantly. The microwave works too, but do short bursts and stir in between. Add a little extra Parmesan at the end if you want to refresh the flavor.
Can I add protein or veggies to parmesan noodles?
Absolutely. This is a great base for adding grilled chicken, shrimp, bacon, peas, spinach, broccoli, or roasted mushrooms. If you add veggies, keep them cooked and drained so they don’t water down the sauce too much.
How do I make this gluten free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just note that some gluten-free pastas release less starch into the water, so the sauce may need a little extra butter or cheese, or a slightly larger amount of pasta water to come together smoothly.
What should I serve with parmesan noodles?
These noodles go with almost anything. They're perfect with chicken cutlets, steak, meatballs, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. It also works as a quick side for soups and sandwiches.
Wrapping It Up
Well, that's how to make Parmesan noodles! I can’t overstate just how simple this recipe is. With only 4 ingredients, this recipe may go down as one of my easiest ever. Better yet, the taste of these easy Parmesan noodles may just win you some bonus points with your family, that is, of course, if they're lucky enough to taste it.
Anyway, I hope this delicious Parmesan noodle recipe becomes a staple for your family just as it is for mine. As always, if you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how it went.
More Pasta Recipes
Craving more easy pasta recipes? Well, if you are, we have a ton of really tasty options on the blog for you to try next!
Here are some reader favorites:
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Easy Parmesan Noodles (Buttery and Cheesy)
This parmesan noodles recipe takes simple ingredients, like pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese, and transforms them into one of the easiest, most satisfying side dishes you can make. The butter coats the noodles, the Parmesan melts into a light, creamy sauce, and together they create a pasta that’s rich, comforting, and incredibly versatile and easy to make, a true weeknight lifesaver.
Ingredients
- 8 oz long noodles of choice (I used fettuccine noodles)
- 3 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 Cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic cloves (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later and drain the pasta.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. If using garlic, cook the garlic with the butter until fragrant.
- Once the butter is melted, add pasta and toss it gently to coat with butter.
- Add ¼ cup of the pasta water at a time and parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt.
- If you want pasta with more sauce, then add more pasta water.
- Toss the pasta gently to coat it with the parmesan cheese and serve warm.
- Garnish it with some extra parmesan before serving and a bit of freshly ground black pepper.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 266Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 11g
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