My mom relied on this simple 3-ingredient bowl whenever she needed a quick and filling addition to a big family meal. It looks incredibly plain but the rich, savory flavor coats every single bite perf

This 3-ingredient buttered egg noodles recipe is the kind of simple side my mom leaned on whenever she needed to stretch a big family meal just a little further. It doesn’t look fancy at all—just wide, tender egg noodles glistening with melted butter and a good shake of black pepper—but every bite tastes rich, savory, and cozy. It’s one of those bowls that quietly steals the show at the table, and it comes together fast enough to make on a busy weeknight or right as the roast is resting.

Serve these buttered egg noodles alongside roast chicken, pot roast, meatloaf, or baked pork chops to soak up all the juices and gravies. They’re also lovely under beef tips or Swedish meatballs, or with a simple green salad and steamed vegetables for a lighter plate. If your family likes things extra cozy, bring the bowl to the table family-style and let everyone scoop their own, adding a sprinkle of extra pepper at the end.

Servings: 4

12 ounces wide egg noodles

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. You want the water to taste pleasantly salty, like a mild broth, so the noodles are seasoned all the way through.

Add the wide egg noodles and cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but not mushy.

While the noodles cook, place the butter pieces in a large heatproof serving bowl. This will be the bowl you toss the noodles in, so make sure it’s big enough.

Reserve about 1/2 cup of the hot pasta cooking water, then drain the noodles well.

Immediately add the hot noodles to the bowl with the butter. Toss gently with tongs or two large spoons until the butter is completely melted and the noodles look shiny and evenly coated. If the noodles seem a little dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of the reserved cooking water and toss again until everything looks silky.

Sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper over the noodles and toss again so you can see little flecks of pepper on almost every ribbon of pasta. Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed.

Serve right away in a warm bowl, making sure each portion has plenty of buttery coating and visible black pepper on top for that simple, comforting look and flavor.

For picky eaters, you can dial back the black pepper and let everyone add their own at the table; some kids prefer just the buttery noodles on their own. If you like a little extra richness, stir in an additional tablespoon or two of butter just before serving. To make it feel more like a full meal, fold in a handful of leftover shredded chicken or diced ham, or serve the noodles under sliced sausage. For a slightly different flavor, you can use salted butter and reduce the added salt, or try browning the butter in a small pan until it smells nutty before tossing it with the noodles. If someone in your family prefers softer noodles, simply cook them a minute or two longer, adding a splash more of the reserved cooking water when you toss so they still stay glossy and well-coated.