Citrus Butter Noodles is a bright and comforting dish that combines tender pasta with butter and infused with zesty citrus flavors.

The zesty citrus notes add a refreshing contrast to the buttery base, while a hint of nutmeg provides subtle warmth and depth.

This side dish recipe yields 4 – 6 servings.

The buttery base is enhanced with the tangy freshness of lemon and orange, adding a delicate balance of richness and acidity.

The result is a simple yet flavorful meal with a silky texture and a refreshing citrus aroma.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To begin making Citrus Butter Noodles I zested some orange. 

Then I zested some lemon and added a bit of ground nutmeg.

I put some butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Then I cooked some gluten free spaghetti according to package directions.

 

 

Once the butter had melted I added in the zests and the ground nutmeg. I cooked the mixture for about 1 minute.

Next I squeezed the juices out of the orange and the lemon and put them in separate small bowls.

After  juicing I added the required amount of each juice to the skillet and stirred to combine.  I reserved the rest of the juice in case I have leftovers.  Then when reheating I can add more juice to soften the pasta.

Once I had drained and rinsed the pasta I added it to the skillet.  I tossed the ingredients to coat the spaghetti in the sauce.

Citrus Butter Noodles is a bright and comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, velvety butter sauce infused with the vibrant flavors of lemon and orange.

This gluten free recipe creates a side dish that is silky and aromatic, with a perfect balance of richness and citrusy brightness.

It makes a great addition to any meal that includes chicken, pork or fish.

 

 

Every bite is filled with flavours and textures to delight the palate!

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

More Side Dishes You Will Love…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Citrus Butter Noodles

• Water
• Salt 
• 8oz Gluten Free Spaghetti
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• 1 tsp grated orange zest
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

How to Make Citrus Butter Noodles:

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Zest an orange and a lemon.
4. Add the nutmeg to the zest.
5. Add the zest mixture to the melted butter in the skillet.
6. Stir to combine and cook for about a minute.
7. Add the orange juice, lemon juice, salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
8. Drain and rinse the cooked pasta.  
9. Add the hot pasta to the skillet. Toss mixture until the pasta is coated.
10. Serve and enjoy!

FAQS:

What should I serve with citrus butter noodles?

Citrus butter noodles have a bright, buttery, and slightly tangy flavor, so you’ll want sides that complement those elements. Here are some great pairings:

Protein Options:

• Garlic Butter Shrimp – The citrus and butter in both dishes will harmonize beautifully.
• Lemon Herb Chicken – A light, herby grilled or baked chicken would pair well.
• Pan-Seared Salmon – The richness of the salmon balances the acidity of the citrus.

Vegetable Sides:

• Garlic Roasted Asparagus – The slight char adds depth to the meal.
• Sautéed Spinach with Lemon & Garlic – Keeps things light and fresh.
• Honey Glazed Carrots – A little sweetness to contrast the tangy noodles.

Gluten Free Bread or Extras:

• Crusty Garlic Bread – Soaks up all that buttery goodness.
• Parmesan Roasted Broccoli – Adds a crispy, savory element.
• Cucumber Avocado Salad – A cooling, refreshing side.

 

What substitutions can I make in citrus butter noodles?

Citrus butter noodles are super versatile, so you’ve got plenty of substitution options depending on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Here are some swaps you can make:

Noodles:

• Swap pasta type: Use any gluten free pasta you like—spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, or even egg noodles.
• Other Gluten-free options: Chickpea pasta, or zucchini noodles (zoodles).

Citrus:

• Lemon → Lime, Orange, or Grapefruit (each brings a slightly different flavor, with lime being tangier and orange being sweeter).
• Vinegar (white wine, apple cider) + a bit of sugar if you’re out of citrus.

Butter:

• Olive oil or ghee (for a slightly different but still rich taste).
• Dairy-free butter or coconut oil (if avoiding dairy).

Extras & Flavor Boosters:

• Parmesan → Nutritional yeast or Pecorino Romano (for a nutty/savory boost).
• Garlic → Shallots, onion powder, or a pinch of garlic salt (if fresh isn’t available).
• Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, chives) → Dried versions (use less since they’re stronger).
• Red pepper flakes → Black pepper, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce (for heat).
• Gluten Free Chicken or veggie broth → Pasta water (for added depth).

 

How do I store citrus butter noodles?

To store citrus butter noodles properly:

Refrigeration (Best for Short-Term Storage)

• Let the noodles cool completely.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing (For Longer Storage)

• Let the noodles cool completely.
• Portion into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a pan and reheat over low heat while stirring.
• Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.