Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsAmherst Oyster BarButter Pasta Recipe

Butter Pasta Recipe

Inspired by Amherst Oyster Bar
Time20m
Serves2

penne pasta, butter (dairy)

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Pasta

Method

Cooking Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil Water

    In a large pot, bring about 4-5 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.

  2. 2

    Cook Penne Pasta

    Once the water is boiling, add 2 cups of penne pasta. Stir occasionally and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente.

  3. 3

    Drain Pasta

    Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta in a colander. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use in the sauce.

Making Sauce

  1. 4

    Melt Butter

    In the same pot used to cook the pasta, add 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Allow the butter to melt completely without browning.

  2. 5

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained penne pasta back into the pot with the melted butter. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the butter.

  3. 6

    Season and Serve

    Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of black pepper and adjust salt to taste. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

More from Amherst Oyster Bar