Buttered Egg Noodles with Chives and Lemon Zest
Simple, silky noodles tossed with fresh herbs and citrus, ready in 15 minutes. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 15 minutes pairs egg noodles, butter, finely chopped chives for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped chives
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz egg noodles and cook for 7-8 minutes until tender but firm, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Melt 3 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp finely chopped chives and 1 tsp lemon zest, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Return drained noodles to the pot, add melted butter mixture, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously while adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water until noodles are glossy and coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Buttered Egg Noodles with Chives and Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Buttered Egg Noodles with Chives and Lemon Zest?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep egg noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Buttered Egg Noodles with Chives and Lemon Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Buttered Egg Noodles with Chives and Lemon Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Buttered Egg Noodles with Chives and Lemon Zest?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
