My grandma made this every week when money was tight. The simplest ingredients create the most addictive buttery pasta you will ever taste.

This slow cooker 3-ingredient garlic salt noodle recipe is the kind of simple comfort food my grandma leaned on when money was tight and everyone still needed a warm, filling meal. It uses pantry basics—wide egg noodles, butter, and garlic salt—to create the most addictive, buttery pasta that somehow tastes like a hug in a bowl. Everything cooks right in the slow cooker, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights, church potlucks, or those evenings when you just need something easy and cozy that the whole family will eat without complaining.

Serve these buttery garlic salt noodles straight from the slow cooker with a big green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, or simple sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for something fresh and crunchy. They’re wonderful alongside baked or rotisserie chicken, meatloaf, or pan-fried pork chops, but they can also stand alone as a budget-friendly main dish with some grated Parmesan on top. For kids, offer them in small bowls with a side of apple slices; for adults, pair with a glass of crisp white wine or iced tea and some crusty bread to mop up every last bit of buttery goodness.

Servings: 6

12 oz wide egg noodles (uncooked)

Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with a bit of butter to help prevent sticking.

Pour the uncooked wide egg noodles into the slow cooker and spread them into an even layer.

In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, warm the 3 cups of water until very hot but not boiling. Carefully pour the hot water over the noodles, pressing them down gently with a spoon so they’re mostly submerged.

Dot the butter pieces evenly over the top of the noodles. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

Cook on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, gently stirring every 30 minutes if possible, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the edges seem dry while the center is still firm, stir well and cook a little longer.

Once the noodles are soft and glossy and coated in melted butter, sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic salt over the top. Stir gently but thoroughly so every noodle gets a bit of buttery garlic salt goodness. Taste and add up to an extra 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt if you like a stronger flavor.

Turn the slow cooker to WARM and let the noodles sit for 5 to 10 minutes with the lid on. This helps them soak up any remaining buttery liquid and gives them that silky, slightly shiny finish.

Give the noodles one last gentle stir, then serve them straight from the slow cooker while they’re hot and glossy. If they sit for a while and thicken too much, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of hot water or an extra pat of butter to loosen them back up.

For picky eaters, you can dial back the garlic salt slightly and let everyone add a pinch at the table; some kids prefer a milder flavor. If your family loves cheese, stir in a small handful of grated Parmesan or mild shredded cheddar right at the end for a cheesy twist, though this will technically add a fourth ingredient. To stretch the meal further, you can fold in leftover shredded chicken or diced ham after the noodles are tender and let it warm through on LOW for 10 to 15 minutes. For a little color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions over individual bowls. Food safety tips: Always use hot water to start so the slow cooker comes up to temperature quickly and the noodles don’t sit too long in the “danger zone.” Keep the lid on as much as possible to maintain a safe, even cooking temperature. If you add any cooked meat, make sure it was cooled and stored properly beforehand and is reheated to steaming hot throughout before serving. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a shallow container, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or a small pat of butter until piping hot. Discard any noodles that have been left out at room temperature longer than 2 hours.