Parmesan Buttered Noodles are the ultimate quick and comforting pasta dish — tender ditalini pasta cooked in a rich, garlicky, buttery Parmesan sauce that’s creamy, savory, and utterly irresistible. This recipe is a celebration of simple, satisfying flavors, where a handful of pantry staples come together in one skillet to create a dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. The magic begins with sautéing garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then adding dried pasta and chicken stock to cook the noodles right in the skillet. As the pasta absorbs the broth, it becomes tender and flavorful. Heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings are stirred in at the end, creating a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
The brilliance of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the savory, garlicky, buttery goodness. It’s the perfect side dish for roasted chicken, steak, or fish, and it’s hearty enough to enjoy as a main course. Serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a crack of black pepper, and watch it disappear.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Quick and easy — ready in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Creamy, buttery, and garlicky — the perfect comfort food combination.
- One-skillet wonder — the pasta cooks right in the sauce, so there’s minimal cleanup.
- Versatile — serve as a side dish or a main course.
- Crowd-pleasing — a family-friendly dish that everyone will love.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups dried ditalini pasta
- 3 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Add in the dried pasta and chicken stock. Bring to a low boil and cook for 9-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Add the Cream
Reduce the heat and add in the heavy cream, stirring until combined.
Step 4: Add the Butter and Parmesan
Add in the butter, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese and stir until combined. Let simmer on low for 3-5 minutes. It will look like a lot of sauce, but the sauce will absorb into the pasta as it cools.
Step 5: Serve
Add more salt and pepper to taste and serve!
TIPS
- Stir frequently — the pasta can stick to the bottom of the skillet, so stir often as it cooks.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts more smoothly and has better flavor than pre-shredded.
- Don’t skip the butter — it adds richness and helps create the creamy sauce.
- Add protein — grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage are great additions.
- Add vegetables — sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas add extra flavor and nutrition.
STORAGE OPTIONS
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Parmesan Buttered Noodles are a creamy, buttery, and utterly delicious pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich Parmesan sauce and tender pasta, they’re a dish that everyone will love. Enjoy!
