My aunt always throws together this vibrant and thrifty dinner when the spring weather hits. With only 4 ingredients it transforms basic freezer staples into a beautiful buttery plate of pure comfort.

To keep this a true 4-ingredient recipe, any add-ins are completely optional, but they’re nice if you want to change things up. For extra flavor, sprinkle in a teaspoon or two of dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder when you add the noodles. A handful of grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar stirred in with the butter will make it creamier and more indulgent. If you’d like more protein, fold in cooked shredded chicken, sliced cooked sausage, or drained canned chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they warm through without drying out. You can also swap the vegetable broth for chicken broth if that’s what you keep on hand. For a little freshness, finish with chopped parsley or green onions just before serving. Food safety tips: Keep frozen vegetables in the freezer until you’re ready to cook, and don’t let them sit at room temperature for long. Make sure the mixture is piping hot and steaming before you add the noodles so they cook evenly and safely. Avoid leaving the finished dish on the WARM setting for more than 2 hours to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Cool leftovers quickly, transfer them to shallow airtight containers, and refrigerate within 2 hours; eat within 3 to 4 days, reheating until hot all the way through before serving.