Pasta With Butter Recipe
topped with parmesan cheese
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Butter Sauce
Finishing
Method
Pasta
- 1
Bring water to a boil
Fill a large pot with about 4 cups of water per 12 oz pasta (adjust if using a larger pot), bring to a rolling boil over high heat and add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. The water should taste noticeably salty.
- 2
Cook pasta
Add the 12 oz dried pasta and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Reserve 1/2 cup of the hot pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta quickly in a colander.
Butter Sauce
- 3
Heat butter
While the pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Heat gently until the butter is melted and just starting to foam, taking care not to brown it.
- 4
Add garlic and pepper
If using, add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and cook briefly to bloom the spice.
- 5
Combine with pasta water
Pour in 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (if using). Increase heat to medium and whisk briefly to emulsify the butter and water into a silky sauce, about 30–45 seconds.
- 6
Toss pasta in sauce
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss or use tongs to coat the noodles thoroughly, cooking together for 1–2 minutes so the pasta finishes cooking and absorbs some sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more reserved pasta water (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches a glossy, coating consistency.
Finishing
- 7
Add Parmesan
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle in 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss briskly to combine so the cheese melts into the sauce and thickens it slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- 8
Plate and garnish
Divide the pasta among plates, top with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, a grind of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.