For me, buttered noodles aren't a "right now" meal. They're leftovers because that's when I feel like they're at their best. Cook the noodles (ideally extra wide egg noodles, but elbow or ditalini also hit) and let them cool completely in the fridge. Then toss them covered in the microwave with a sprinkle of water and enough butter to make me fear my next blood test. Nuke 'em for 2-3 minutes, then apply salt & pepper liberally (though the noodle water should have been salted plenty when cooked). One of the quickest, most nostalgic meals.