There are some nights when only the purest comfort food will do. Enter the timeless, elegant, and ridiculously simple Pasta with Butter and Parmesan. This isn’t just a dish; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl. The magic lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. The secret? A splash of starchy pasta water that transforms butter and cheese into a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Forget complicated recipes—this 30-minute wonder is your new weeknight hero, and I’ll show you how to make it, and its many delicious variations, absolutely perfect.
Ingredients
• MAKES: 4 servings
• TIME: 30 minutes
• Sea salt, to taste
• 4 to 6 tablespoons / 57 to 85g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 pound / 454g long pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• 1 cup / 100g freshly grated vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese, plus more for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself!
2. While the water heats, place your softened butter in a large, warm serving bowl. Having the bowl warm prevents the butter from seizing when the hot pasta is added.
3. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (tender but with a slight bite). Before draining, carefully reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. This is liquid gold!
4. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the bowl with the softened butter. Toss vigorously to melt the butter and coat the pasta. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and a generous amount of black pepper. Continue to toss, adding more pasta water a tablespoon at a time as needed, until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and glossy. Serve immediately, passing extra cheese at the table.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 of 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 25g
• Note: These are estimates and may vary based on the specific and portion sizes used.
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for Perfect Butter & Parmesan Pasta
• The secret to a silky, non-greasy sauce is starchy pasta water. Add it a tablespoon at a time while tossing until the butter and cheese emulsify into a creamy coating that clings to the pasta.
• Don’t be shy with cheese variations! Swap Parmesan for a vegetarian Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite, or add a dollop of mascarpone for extra creaminess.
• Elevate the flavor by browning the butter. Melt it over medium heat with a few fresh sage leaves until it smells nutty and turns a golden brown before tossing with the pasta.
• Easily boost the nutrition and flavor by tossing in a cup of cooked peas, wilted spinach, a tablespoon of lemon zest, or a handful of mashed roasted garlic cloves at the end.
