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Amish Buttered Noodles: A Simple, Comforting Side Dish

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a bowl of Amish Buttered Noodles. This humble dish doesn’t depend on complicated ingredients or elaborate techniques. Instead, it combines tender noodles with plenty of butter, a touch of seasoning, and just enough savory flavor to make every bite satisfying.

Inspired by the simple, homemade cooking often associated with Amish kitchens, this recipe is especially useful when you need a quick side dish for a family dinner. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, meatloaf, pork, vegetables, or almost any hearty main course. It can also be enjoyed on its own when you’re craving something warm and comforting.

What Makes Amish Buttered Noodles Special?

The appeal is in the simplicity. The noodles are cooked until tender, then tossed with melted butter so that every strand becomes lightly coated. A little salt and black pepper bring out the flavor, while optional additions such as parsley or Parmesan can add another layer without taking away from the traditional character of the dish.

The key is not to overcomplicate it. Good butter and properly cooked noodles do most of the work.

Ingredients

For about 4–6 servings, you’ll need:

12 ounces egg noodles
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
2–3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
¼ cup reserved pasta water, if needed

Step-by-Step Method

1. Bring the Water to a Boil

Fill a large pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.

Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt. Salting the water seasons the noodles from the inside as they cook, rather than relying entirely on the butter and seasonings afterward.

2. Cook the Egg Noodles

Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and stir gently during the first minute to prevent them from sticking together.

Cook according to the package directions, but begin checking them a minute or two before the recommended cooking time. You want the noodles tender while still having enough structure to hold their shape.

Avoid cooking them until they become overly soft, because they will continue to absorb moisture after draining.

3. Reserve Some Pasta Water

Before draining the noodles, scoop out about ¼ cup of the cooking water and set it aside.

This small step can make a big difference. The starchy water can help loosen the butter mixture and allow it to coat the noodles more evenly if they seem dry.

4. Drain the Noodles

Drain the noodles thoroughly, but don’t rinse them.

Rinsing removes some of the starch that helps the butter cling to the noodles. For this recipe, you want the noodles warm and slightly starchy when they meet the butter.