Buttery Lemon Parsley Noodles: Simple, Fresh, Flavorful Pasta
Pantry essentials transform into a vibrant side that elevates any meal.
Buttery lemon parsley noodles elevate everyday pasta into a quick, bright, and satisfying side dish that pairs effortlessly with chicken, fish, vegetables, or stands proudly on its own. When you crave simplicity and clean flavors, this recipe delivers: rich butter and sprightly lemon coat hot noodles, while fresh parsley adds zing and color. It’s a celebration of how a handful of pantry staples can create something truly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients: Only five core components are needed.
- Flexible side or main: Serve solo, or alongside meat or veggies.
- Clean, vibrant flavors: Butter, lemon, and parsley—simple but special.
Recipe Overview
This noodle recipe is a signature quick side from The Pioneer Woman, designed to highlight the fresh flavors of lemon and parsley in a buttery sauce that lightly pan-fries the noodles for extra texture. There’s no heavy cream or cheese—just a few essential ingredients, perfectly balanced.
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4–6 |
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair all work well)
- 4 tablespoons (half a stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (finely minced) fresh parsley
- 1 whole lemon (for zest and juice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Try egg noodles for a richer texture.
- Add a handful of fresh basil to complement the parsley.
- Enhance with shaved Parmesan or toasted pine nuts for extra richness.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the noodles: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain when just shy of al dente—this keeps them tender but not mushy.
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet (preferably nonstick), melt the butter over medium-high heat until hot and bubbling. For lighter flavor, use only half a stick—about four tablespoons.
- Pan-fry the noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the hot melted butter. Toss and cook for 2–3 minutes. This brief pan-fry gives the noodles a slightly crisp texture and amplifies buttery flavor.
- Add parsley and lemon: Stir in the finely minced parsley. Zest about half the lemon directly over the noodles; then squeeze in the juice from the lemon. Adjust the amount to taste—more zest gives deeper citrus flavor, more juice adds brightness.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything gently to combine.
- Serve immediately: Mound the noodles on plates. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines on its own, but is especially good as a side for:
- Grilled or baked chicken—lemon and butter pair beautifully with roasted flavors.
- Pan-seared fish—the fresh flavor profile complements salmon, tilapia, or cod.
- Sauteed vegetables—try asparagus, snap peas, or green beans tossed in with the noodles.
- Vegetarian mains—serve next to a hearty mushroom ragù or alongside a veggie burger.
Or simply enjoy as a light, meatless lunch with a glass of white wine.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Noodles
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente texture to prevent mushy noodles.
- Use fresh parsley and lemon: For the brightest flavor, avoid dried herbs or bottled juice.
- Pan-frying: Toss the noodles in hot butter for a slightly crispy edge—don’t skip this step.
- Balance the tang: Start with half the lemon’s juice, then add more to taste for extra brightness.
- Customize: Add basil, swap in a nutty cheese, or introduce your favorite spices.
Why Lemon and Parsley?
Lemon adds ideal acidity, making the noodles taste clean and fresh. Parsley is herbaceous and slightly peppery, brightening the dish while contrasting gently against the butter’s richness. Together, these ingredients make for a side that’s never too heavy or dull—just satisfying, light, and memorable.
Common Pasta Types for This Recipe
What others are reading
| Pasta Type | Texture | Cook Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fettuccine | Flat, broad | 10–12 min | Hearty, elegant plating |
| Linguine | Thin, flat | 9–11 min | Light meals, delicate sauces |
| Angel Hair | Very thin | 5–6 min | Quick dinners, soft texture |
| Egg Noodles | Curly, soft | 6–8 min | Homey, buttery dishes |
Health and Nutrition
This is a simple carb-based side, but offers some nutritional value from parsley and lemon:
- Parsley is high in vitamin K and C.
- Lemon adds vitamin C, a boost for immunity and flavor.
- Butter adds richness—use unsalted for better control, and consider reducing if you prefer lighter fare.
- Pasta is an energy source—use whole wheat noodles for added fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, you can prep the noodles up to one day ahead and toss in butter, parsley, and lemon just before reheating. Avoid letting cooked noodles sit in lemon juice too long—it may soften their texture excessively.
Q: Do I have to use fresh parsley?
A: Fresh parsley is highly recommended for brightness and color. If using dried, reduce quantity by half and expect milder flavor.
Q: Can I add cheese?
A: Yes! Shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano add nutty depth, but the original recipe keeps it dairy-light besides butter.
Q: Is this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, as long as you use vegetarian pasta and butter. It’s a naturally meatless recipe.
Q: How do I avoid mushy noodles?
A: Make sure to drain them promptly when just al dente, and toss in the skillet on medium-high so any excess moisture evaporates quickly.
Related Variations
- Lemon-basil noodles: Swap parsley for fresh basil for a slightly sweet, aromatic version.
- Garlic-lemon noodles: Sauté minced garlic in butter before adding the noodles for deeper flavor.
- Spicy lemon noodles: Add a pinch of chili flakes or black pepper for heat.
- Vegan option: Use olive oil instead of butter and ensure your noodles are egg-free.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Transfer cooled noodles to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or extra butter until warmed through. Add extra lemon or parsley to revive fresh flavors after reheating.
Expert Tips for Entertaining
- Serve family-style on a large platter, garnished with zest and parsley for visual appeal.
- Pair with light, crisp wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, or offer sparkling water with lemon wedges.
- Double the recipe easily to feed a crowd; it’s ideal for potlucks or as a buffet staple.
- Make it a meal: Top with crispy chicken cutlets, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Buttery lemon parsley noodles are the epitome of delicious simplicity—a dish that’s approachable enough for weeknights, yet elegant for entertaining. With just five ingredients and a few fast steps, you’ll spark joy at the dinner table. Whether you use fettuccine, angel hair, or homemade egg noodles, let the flavors of butter, lemon, and parsley shine. Serve as a side, a vegetarian main, or the star of your next meal. Enjoy the bright, fresh taste—because sometimes, it’s truly all about the noodles.
References
- https://gcsauciertastethefood.blogspot.com/2018/01/buttery-lemon-parsley-noodles.html
- http://choodoris.blogspot.com/2013/09/buttery-lemon-parsley-noodles-ree.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43963571/best-lemon-pasta-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10713/buttery-lemon-parsley-noodles/
- https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/buttery-lemon-parsley-noodles/?print=1
- https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/1534521/buttered-parsley-noodles
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
