Noodles Romanoff is a rich and comforting pasta dish with a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to tender egg noodles. Inspired by a classic 1930s Hollywood restaurant favorite, this timeless recipe combines simple pantry ingredients into something elegant enough for guests yet cozy enough for a family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is creamy, satisfying, and full of flavor without being complicated. The combination of sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan creates a velvety sauce with just the right amount of tang and richness. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats or grilled chicken, yet it is hearty enough to stand alone as a main dish. The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, and the entire dish comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 ounces wide egg noodles
1 cup full-fat sour cream
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika, plus extra for garnish
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, melted butter, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Add the drained noodles to the bowl and gently fold them into the sauce until every noodle is thoroughly coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle a light dusting of additional paprika over the top for color.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until heated through and lightly golden around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For a richer flavor, replace half of the cottage cheese with cream cheese softened at room temperature.
Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella for extra melt and stretch.
For a heartier meal, mix in 1 cup of cooked, seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken.
Top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking for a crisp, golden crust.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat in the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
To reheat in the oven, place the noodles in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream if the noodles seem dry.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What are Noodles Romanoff?
Noodles Romanoff is a baked pasta dish made with egg noodles tossed in a creamy sauce of sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Why use cottage cheese in this recipe?
Cottage cheese adds creaminess and a mild tang while keeping the texture light rather than overly heavy.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, as written, the recipe is vegetarian. Just ensure the Parmesan cheese used is suitable for vegetarians.
How do I prevent the noodles from drying out?
Do not overbake the dish. If reheating, add a small splash of milk or cream to restore moisture.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Peas, spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers make excellent additions.
What can I serve with Noodles Romanoff?
It pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled beef, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables.
Can I make it creamier?
Yes, increase the sour cream by 1/4 cup or add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the sauce mixture for a richer consistency.
Conclusion
Noodles Romanoff is a nostalgic, creamy pasta bake that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and satisfying dish. Whether served as a side or the star of the meal, this recipe brings warmth and classic flavor to the table. With its rich sauce and tender noodles, it is a timeless favorite worth passing down for generations.
Noodles Romanoff is a creamy, comforting baked pasta dish made with tender egg noodles tossed in a rich blend of sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan. This classic recipe delivers nostalgic flavor with a velvety texture perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
12 ounces wide egg noodles
1 cup full-fat sour cream
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan, melted butter, green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth.
Add drained noodles to the sauce and gently fold until evenly coated.
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle lightly with additional paprika for garnish.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until heated through and lightly golden at the edges.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overbake to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore moisture.
Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Top with buttered breadcrumbs for added texture.
Substitute half the cottage cheese with cream cheese for extra richness.
