Wednesday mornings in our house are a strange blend of sleepy stumbles and quick decisions. It’s that midweek moment where everyone’s too tired for cereal but still in a rush to get going.
Last week, I opened the fridge in search of breakfast inspiration and saw half a carton of heavy cream staring back at me. A bag of egg noodles from a pantry reorganization project sat nearby, and something just clicked. I’d make creamy noodles—for breakfast.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Noodles? For a weekday morning? But hear me out. Creamy Noodles’s fast, satisfying, and when paired with something crisp like cucumber slices or even a poached egg, it becomes this oddly perfect breakfast that toes the line between indulgent and practical.
Ever since then, I’ve been testing ways to perfect the sauce without it feeling too heavy and ensuring the flavors hold up for leftovers. This version is silky, garlicky, and balanced with Parmesan and Italian herbs—quick enough for a workday breakfast, and cozy enough for a chilly dinner.
Short Description
A quick, comforting pasta dish made with egg noodles, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. It’s rich yet balanced, perfect for breakfast or dinner, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Key Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools Needed
- Medium pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 6–8 minutes). Drain the noodles, but reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
Step 2: Start the Cream Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Add Cream and Simmer
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 5: Combine with Noodles
Add the drained noodles to the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the pasta gently in the sauce until evenly coated and heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Plate the creamy noodles warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Add extra cheese or cracked black pepper for more flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & easy: Ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or weeknight dinners.
Customizable: Works with any pasta you have on hand.
Comforting & creamy: Rich but not overly heavy, with balanced garlic and herb flavors.
Kid-friendly: Soft, cheesy noodles are always a win with little ones.
Adaptable to diets: Swap the cream or cheese for lighter or dairy-free versions if needed.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Overcooking the noodles: They’ll turn mushy when mixed with sauce. Solution: Cook just until al dente and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.
2. Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast and can turn bitter. Solution: Sauté for only 30–60 seconds and lower heat if needed.
3. Sauce too thin or watery: It won’t coat the noodles properly. Solution: Simmer the sauce longer or add a bit more cheese.
4. Sauce separating: High heat or overcooking can cause cream to split. Solution: Keep the heat medium-low and stir continuously.
5. Too salty: Parmesan is naturally salty. Solution: Taste before adding extra salt and use unsalted butter if possible.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
As a main: Serve with a poached egg on top and a side of roasted vegetables.
As a side: Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, salmon, or sautéed mushrooms.
For breakfast: Try with a soft-boiled egg and avocado slices.
Beverages: A light green smoothie, herbal tea, or even a splash of citrus water balances the richness.
Serving style: Best plated individually, but also works as a family-style brunch dish in a warm ceramic bowl.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
– Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream.
– Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, and add a bit of water or milk to restore creaminess.
Freezing not recommended as the cream sauce may separate after thawing.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, rotini, or gluten-free alternatives all work well. Just be sure to cook them al dente.
2. Is there a dairy-free version of this?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based cream (like oat or cashew). Choose vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for flavor.
3. Can I add vegetables or protein?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, peas, or broccoli blend in beautifully. Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for protein.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it longer or add more grated Parmesan. You can also whisk in a teaspoon of flour before the cream if you prefer a roux-based sauce.
5. What herbs go well with this dish besides Italian seasoning?
Fresh basil, thyme, or even chives can elevate the flavor without overpowering the creamy base.
Tips & Tricks
– Warm your serving bowls slightly before plating—this keeps the noodles hot longer.
– If you’re using half-and-half instead of cream, add a small knob of cream cheese for extra richness.
– For extra depth, add a splash of white wine before the cream and let it reduce.
– Make a double batch of sauce and freeze half (without pasta) for a quick meal later.
– Grate your Parmesan fresh—pre-shredded can clump or taste waxy in sauces.
Recipe Variations
1. Lemon-Garlic Creamy Noodles
Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice with the cream for brightness. Use extra parsley to finish.
2. Spicy Creamy Noodles
Stir in 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes with the garlic and top with chili oil or a pinch of cayenne.
3. Mushroom Cream Noodles
Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms in butter before adding garlic. Adds earthiness and umami.
4. Creamy Pesto Noodles
Replace half of the Parmesan with 2 tbsp basil pesto. Omit Italian seasoning. Top with pine nuts if desired.
5. Creamy Vegan Noodles
Use olive oil instead of butter, cashew cream in place of dairy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Add a dash of garlic powder to deepen the flavor.
Final Thoughts
Creamy noodles might not scream “breakfast,” but that’s precisely what makes them so delightful. They fill the kitchen with warmth, come together in minutes, and offer the kind of satisfying bite that lingers longer than your morning coffee. Every time I revisit this dish, I find a new way to make it better—lighter, brighter, more herbaceous, or even a little spicy.
It’s a canvas for creativity and comfort, all rolled into one twirled forkful. If you’ve never had pasta with your morning tea, I highly recommend giving it a try. Sometimes the best meals are the ones that sneak into your routine and quietly demand a spot.
Creamy Noodles
Print ThisIngredients
- 8 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 6–8 minutes). Drain the noodles, but reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
Step 2: Start the Cream Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Add Cream and Simmer
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 5: Combine with Noodles
Add the drained noodles to the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the pasta gently in the sauce until evenly coated and heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Plate the creamy noodles warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Add extra cheese or cracked black pepper for more flavor.
