Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions (usually about 3-4 minutes). Drain the noodles and set them aside temporarily.

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Let the mixture warm through for about a minute, but don’t let it boil.

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, return the cooked noodles to the pot. Toss the noodles in the cheese sauce until fully coated and creamy.

Transfer the cheesy ramen noodles to a bowl and serve immediately. For extra flair, sprinkle with crushed red pepper for a spicy kick or chopped scallions for a fresh pop of flavor.