Classic Buttered Noodles - beautifully plated pasta dish

Classic Buttered Noodles

Egg noodles tossed in salted butter with a crack of pepper. Sometimes the simplest things are the most satisfying.

Prep Time

2 min

Cook Time

10 min

Servings

4

Calories

340

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

I start boiling water the moment I walk into the kitchen — it's the bottleneck. Everything else can happen while you wait.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

This is one of those dishes where the magic lives in the simplicity. You've got egg noodles tossed with garlic and onion cooked in olive oil, finished with a crack of pepper and just enough starchy pasta water to create a glossy, clingy sauce. It's comfort food without the fuss — the kind of thing you throw together at 7 p.m. when dinner feels like too much work.

Canadian home cooks love it because it hits that sweet spot between satisfying and effortless. There's something deeply comforting about a bowl of hot noodles coated in garlicky oil, especially during our long winters. It's honest food, nothing fancy, and that's exactly why it works.

Tips for the Best Classic Buttered Noodles

Assaisonnez généreusement votre eau de cuisson — elle doit avoir le goût de la mer. Réservez un grand bol d'eau amidonnée avant d'égoutter les pâtes ; c'est le secret d'une sauce soyeuse et adhérente. Mélangez vigoureusement les pâtes dans la poêle pour bien émulsionner l'huile et l'eau.

What to Serve With It

Serve with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or pile on some roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus in spring or squash in fall. A wedge of sharp cheddar or a handful of toasted pine nuts adds nice crunch. Crusty French bread from the local bakery is perfect for soaking up every last drop.

Storage & Reheating

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or milk to revive the sauce — microwave tends to dry out the noodles. The garlic and onion flavours actually deepen overnight, making this a great make-ahead weeknight meal.

Nutrition Facts

340

cal

14g

Protein

27g

Fat

53g

Carbs

6g

Fiber

484mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use butter instead of olive oil?+

Yes, but the recipe calls for olive oil specifically, which gives it a different flavour profile. If you want buttery richness, try using half butter and half olive oil for a nice compromise.

What pasta shapes work best?+

Long thin shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair work wonderfully since they coat evenly in the oil. Short shapes like penne or fusilli also work well and hold the sauce nicely.

How do I know when the garlic is ready?+

Watch it closely — it only takes about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant and lightly golden, not browned. Burnt garlic turns bitter and will ruin the whole dish.

Can I add cheese to this?+

Absolutely. Parmesan, Pecorino, or even a sprinkle of aged cheddar all work beautifully. Add it off the heat so it melts smoothly rather than clumping up.

Is this dish actually healthy?+

It's moderate — olive oil provides healthy fats, and you can boost nutrition by adding vegetables or swapping in whole wheat pasta. It's a reasonable weeknight meal when balanced with sides.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
  • Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (5)

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellente recette! J'ai suivi les instructions à la lettre et le résultat était parfait. Ma femme a adoré.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last night and my family loved it! The sauce was perfect and so easy to make. Will definitely be adding this to our regular rotation.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. Great balance of flavours and the cooking times are spot on. My new favourite pasta dish.

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already.

David C.★★★★★

Restaurant quality at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The pasta water trick really makes the sauce come together.