Butter Parmesan Noodles Recipe

Bring water to a boil

In a large stockpot, bring 4 liters (about 4 quarts) of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt once boiling.

Cook pasta

Add 12 oz spaghetti or linguine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta cooking water in a heatproof measuring cup. Then drain the pasta and set aside briefly; do not rinse.

Melt butter and infuse garlic

While pasta cooks, heat a large wide skillet over medium heat. Add 6 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. When butter has melted and just begins to foam (do not brown), add the finely minced 2 garlic cloves and cook, stirring, for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not colored.

Create a creamy emulsion

Lower heat to medium-low. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet and stir to combine, creating a glossy emulsion with the butter. Let the mixture simmer gently for 30 seconds.

Incorporate cheese and season

Remove the skillet from heat. Add 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir vigorously to melt the cheese into the sauce; add more reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time (up to the remaining 1/2 cup), until the sauce is smooth and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and add salt to taste if needed (Parmesan is salty, so often little or no additional salt is required).

Toss pasta with sauce

Return drained pasta to the skillet (or add the sauce to the pasta pot) over very low heat. Toss and gently fold the pasta with the sauce for 1–2 minutes so the noodles absorb the sauce and everything is evenly coated. If the sauce seems thick or sticky, add reserved pasta water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach a silky consistency.

Add final flavorings

Stir in 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley and 1 teaspoon lemon zest (if using) to brighten the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional black pepper or salt if necessary.

Serve

Divide the butter Parmesan noodles among plates or bowls. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan (about 1/4 cup total) over the servings and a little more chopped parsley for color. Serve immediately.