Noodles Romanoff

If rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent comfort food is your thing, you have to try my Noodles Romanoff. This dish is absolutely dreamy—al dente egg noodles cloaked in a luxurious sour cream and Parmesan sauce, with just a touch of garlic and a hint of nutmeg for warmth.

The best part? It’s fast, fuss-free, and comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or need a crowd-pleasing side for your next family gathering, this classic is guaranteed to satisfy.

Inspired by retro supper clubs and my grandmother’s well-loved recipe box, this is the pasta dish you’ll want to make again and again. Creamy, tangy, and oh-so cheesy, Noodles Romanoff is the ultimate in nostalgic, stick-to-your-ribs goodness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and savory—each bite is pure comfort.
• Quick and Easy: Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and ready in less than 40 minutes.
• Meatless Main or Side: Perfect as a vegetarian dinner or a hearty side with steak or chicken.
• Family Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, with familiar flavors everyone enjoys.

Key Ingredients for Noodles Romanoff

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Wide Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are the backbone of Noodles Romanoff, providing that classic tender-chewy texture. Look for wide or extra-wide noodles for the most authentic feel. Cook them just until al dente, since they’ll soak up the sauce later. If you only have fettuccine or another pasta shape, you can swap it in—just know the texture will be a little different.

Sour Cream

Sour cream gives the sauce its signature tang and creamy richness. Use full-fat sour cream for the silkiest, most luxurious result. Light sour cream works in a pinch, but avoid nonfat varieties, as they can curdle when heated. Greek yogurt is a decent substitute if you prefer a lighter, protein-packed swap.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan brings nutty, salty depth to the sauce. For best flavor, grate fresh Parmesan from a block instead of using pre-shredded varieties. Romano cheese also works well, adding a sharper bite if you want more punch.

Butter

A generous amount of butter gives the sauce body and unmistakable richness. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. In a pinch, margarine works, but real butter gives superior flavor.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds a subtle aromatic backbone. Mince it finely so it melts right into the sauce. Short on time? A small pinch of garlic powder is an easy substitute, but fresh is always best here.

Instructions for Noodles Romanoff

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain well and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Sauté Garlic in Butter

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned—about 1 minute. This step infuses the butter with aromatic flavor.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk gently until smooth and just warmed through—do not let it boil, or the sour cream may curdle. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combine Noodles and Sauce

Add the drained egg noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every noodle. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess.

Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like.

Recipe Variations

Add Protein

Want to make your Noodles Romanoff a bit heartier? Stir in cooked diced chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or sliced smoked sausage for a protein boost. Leftover roast beef or steak stirred in at the end is a nod to the dish’s restaurant origins.

Lighten It Up

For a lighter take, use reduced-fat sour cream and swap half of the butter for olive oil. You can also use whole wheat noodles to add a little more fiber without sacrificing flavor.

Make It Gluten-Free

Simply use your favorite gluten-free wide noodles—the creamy sauce works beautifully on any sturdy gluten-free pasta. Double-check your Parmesan and sour cream to make sure they’re certified gluten-free.

Go Veggie-Forward

Boost the veggie content by tossing in baby spinach, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus when you combine the noodles and sauce. Stirring in peas or sautéed bell peppers adds color and nutrition, too.

Add a Flavor Twist

Experiment with mix-ins like caramelized onions, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a handful of sharp cheddar for a different cheesy flavor profile. A little fresh dill or chives makes a fun herbal variation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Noodles Romanoff piping hot as a satisfying vegetarian main dish with a crisp green salad and garlic bread on the side. It’s also a classic sidekick to grilled steak, roast chicken, or baked salmon. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley or chives.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, for best results. Noodles Romanoff is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above, though the sauce may separate slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Noodles Romanoff (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Noodles Romanoff ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can cook the noodles and prepare the sauce ahead, then combine and gently reheat just before serving. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.

Q: What kind of noodles are best for Noodles Romanoff?
A: Wide or extra-wide egg noodles are traditional, but any sturdy pasta shape like fettuccine or rotini works in a pinch.

Q: Can I add meat or vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Stir in cooked chicken, beef, mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

So there you have it—creamy, satisfying Noodles Romanoff, the ultimate in easy comfort food. Try it for your next family meal and watch it disappear! If you love it, don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below to let me know how it turned out.