There are few things more comforting than a simple bowl of buttery noodles. This recipe elevates that classic comfort food into something truly special, without any of the fuss. The star, of course, is the tender egg noodle, which becomes a perfect canvas for a silky sauce of butter, sweet paprika, and gently softened scallions. While making fresh pasta turns this into a weekend project, using good-quality dried egg noodles makes it a weeknight hero. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a meal that’s deeply satisfying and full of flavor.
Ingredients
• 1 pound / 450g dried thick-cut egg noodles OR 1 recipe Fresh Egg Pasta
• 2 bunches scallions
• 4 tablespoons / 0.5 stick butter
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously.
2. While the water heats, prepare the scallions. Cut them in half lengthwise, then slice them crosswise into 2-inch pieces, including a few inches of the green parts.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the scallions, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the scallions are soft, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the paprika and cook until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Immediately turn off the heat to prevent it from burning.
5. Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook until tender, following package directions (about 3 minutes for fresh, 10 for dried). Drain well.
6. Return the skillet with the scallion mixture to medium-high heat. Add the drained noodles and toss gently to coat. Cook until everything is hot and the noodles begin to sizzle slightly.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• (Estimated)
• Serving Size: 1 of 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 350mg
Pro Tips
• Don’t burn the paprika! Add it to the butter and cook only until it’s fragrant (about a minute). Burnt paprika tastes bitter, so remove it from the heat promptly.
• For a fresh, herbal twist, toss in a handful of chopped parsley, dill, or chives with the noodles at the very end.
• A splash of acidity brightens everything up. Try adding a teaspoon of cider or malt vinegar to the butter sauce for a tangy kick.
• For a touch of sweetness and texture, stir in a tablespoon of golden raisins or dried blueberries along with the scallions.
