Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Amish Butter Noodles
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a bowl of homemade butter noodles, especially when they require only three simple ingredients. These Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Amish Butter Noodles are made with wide egg noodles, butter, and chicken broth, then gently cooked until tender and coated in a rich, silky sauce.
I first had these at a Memorial Day potluck when an Amish coworker brought over a slow cooker filled with buttery noodles. They disappeared incredibly quickly, and it was easy to understand why. The recipe is humble and uncomplicated, but the combination of tender noodles, creamy butter, and flavorful broth creates the kind of cozy side dish that people naturally come back for.
Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work. Once the broth is hot, everything comes together in one pot, making these noodles an easy choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, holidays, and potlucks.
Why You’ll Love These Amish Butter Noodles
- Only 3 main ingredients: Egg noodles, butter, and chicken broth are all you need.
- Easy slow cooker recipe: There’s no complicated stovetop cooking or multiple pots to clean.
- Rich and buttery: The noodles absorb the flavorful broth and melted butter as they cook.
- Family-friendly: The mild flavor makes this a great side dish for both kids and adults.
- Perfect for gatherings: Keep the slow cooker on WARM and let everyone serve themselves.
- Easy to customize: Add black pepper or offer Parmesan and parsley at the table.
What to Serve With Butter Noodles
These slow cooker butter noodles are especially good alongside simple main dishes. Their rich, buttery flavor works beautifully with roasted or grilled meats without competing with the main course.
Try serving them with roast chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, grilled sausages, or leftover pot roast. For a lighter meal, add steamed green beans or a crisp green salad.
They also make a wonderful addition to a potluck spread. Serve them next to baked beans, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or other classic comfort-food sides.
For a simple family dinner, spoon the noodles into bowls, add freshly ground black pepper, and serve them with warm dinner rolls.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Amish Butter Noodles Recipe
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 12 ounces wide dry egg noodles
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), cut into chunks
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Freshly ground black pepper, optional, for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Amish Butter Noodles
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly coat the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. You can also rub the inside with a little butter to help reduce sticking.
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, cover with the lid, and set the cooker to HIGH.
Let the broth heat for approximately 30 to 45 minutes, or until it is very hot and steaming.
2. Add the Butter
Once the broth is hot, add the butter pieces.
Stir gently until the butter has mostly melted and the broth becomes glossy with a rich golden appearance.
3. Add the Egg Noodles
Carefully add the dry wide egg noodles directly into the slow cooker.
Press them gently into the buttery broth so as many noodles as possible are submerged. Some noodles may remain above the liquid initially, which is fine. They will soften as they cook.
4. Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking on HIGH for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Every 8 to 10 minutes, give the noodles a gentle stir. This helps them cook evenly and allows them to absorb the buttery broth.
Avoid stirring too aggressively, since the noodles can break apart once they begin to soften.
5. Finish the Noodles
The noodles are ready when they are tender but still hold their shape, with most of the broth absorbed into a thick, buttery coating.
Switch the slow cooker to WARM.
If there is more liquid than you prefer, leave the lid off for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice. The noodles will continue absorbing the liquid and become thicker as they stand.
Taste before adding salt because the chicken broth may already provide enough seasoning.
6. Serve Warm
Spoon the noodles into serving bowls and finish with freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
For a gathering, you can keep the slow cooker on WARM so the noodles stay ready for serving and guests can easily help themselves to another portion.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Butter Noodles
Use wide egg noodles. Their broad shape works especially well for absorbing the buttery broth while remaining tender and satisfying.
Heat the broth first. Starting with hot, steaming broth helps the noodles cook more evenly in the slow cooker.
Don’t overcook the noodles. Check them toward the end of the cooking time. You want tender noodles rather than soft, mushy pasta.
Stir gently. A few careful stirs are enough to distribute the broth and butter without breaking the noodles.
Choose low-sodium broth. This gives you more control over the final seasoning, especially because butter noodles can become overly salty when regular broth is used.
Easy Variations
The original recipe is intentionally simple, but there are several ways to customize it when serving.
For children or picky eaters, simply leave off the black pepper. The noodles are naturally mild, buttery, and comforting without additional toppings.
For extra flavor at the table, set out small bowls of grated Parmesan, dried parsley, or freshly ground black pepper so everyone can customize their serving.
If you want a slightly lighter version, reduce the butter to 3/4 cup. The finished noodles will still be rich and flavorful but won’t feel quite as heavy.
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with a mild vegetable broth. Choose one with a gentle flavor so the broth doesn’t overpower the buttery noodles.
You can also turn the noodles into part of a heartier meal by serving them underneath sliced roast chicken or spooning leftover pot roast over the top.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Because these noodles contain a generous amount of butter and broth, they can thicken as they cool.
Transfer leftovers to a shallow container and refrigerate them promptly. When reheating, add a small splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Reheat the noodles in the microwave or on the stovetop until they are piping hot throughout, stirring as needed.
For food safety, don’t leave the finished noodles sitting at room temperature for an extended period. If serving them at a potluck or family gathering, keep them properly heated in the slow cooker and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these butter noodles vegetarian?
Yes. Simply substitute a mild vegetable broth for the chicken broth. The butter and noodles will still provide plenty of richness.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but unsalted butter gives you better control over the final salt level. This is particularly helpful when the broth already contains sodium.
Can I reduce the amount of butter?
Yes. Using 3/4 cup butter will produce a slightly lighter version while keeping the noodles rich and flavorful.
How do I keep the noodles from becoming mushy?
Avoid cooking them longer than necessary and stir gently every 8 to 10 minutes. Once the noodles are tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, switch the slow cooker to WARM.
Can I keep the noodles warm for a potluck?
Yes. Once they’re finished, the slow cooker can be switched to WARM for serving. Keep an eye on the noodles because they will continue absorbing liquid as they sit.
Final Thoughts
These 3-ingredient Amish butter noodles prove that a comforting side dish doesn’t need a long ingredient list. Wide egg noodles, real butter, and flavorful broth come together in the slow cooker to create a tender, glossy, satisfying dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for a holiday table.
Whether you’re serving them with roast chicken at dinner or bringing them to a family potluck, these buttery noodles are the kind of simple comfort food that disappears quickly.