Viral TikTok Butter Noodles Pinterest (Printable Version)

Creamy noodles meet parmesan, lemon zest, and fresh herbs for a bright, comforting dish in just 25 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

→ Butter Sauce

02 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
04 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing Touches

06 - 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
09 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine or spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package timing. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining the noodles.
02 - Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foamy. Add freshly ground black pepper and swirl for 30 seconds to release aroma.
03 - Transfer drained noodles to the skillet. Toss well to coat with butter and pepper.
04 - Pour in half of the reserved pasta water and sprinkle with sea salt. Toss continuously, adding more pasta water as needed for a glossy, cohesive sauce.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Add grated parmesan and toss vigorously until fully melted and sauce is creamy.
06 - Sprinkle lemon zest, chopped parsley, fresh chives, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Toss gently to combine.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra parmesan grated on the side.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick and easy to make for busy nights
  • Requires minimal ingredients you probably already have in the pantry
  • Rich buttery flavor with a fresh lemony punch
  • Customizable with any fresh herbs or cheese
  • Satisfying for both picky eaters and foodies alike
02 -
  • Vegetarian friendly dish
  • Absolutely irresistible creamy texture
  • Easily doubles for feeding a crowd
03 -
  • Always reserve some pasta water for that magical creamy texture
  • Use a wide skillet so the noodles get evenly coated in sauce
  • Grate cheese fresh to avoid clumping and ensure a smooth finish
  • If you want more richness, try a splash of heavy cream or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil at the end

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