Woodles Of Noodles Recipe

Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 12 oz spaghetti or thin egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Butter Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Swirl the pan so the butter coats the surface and begins to foam slightly but does not brown (about 1–2 minutes).

Toss Pasta in Butter

Add the drained pasta directly to the pan with the melted butter. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Using tongs, toss the pasta vigorously in the butter until evenly coated, adding more reserved pasta water as needed (in 2–3 tablespoon increments) to create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles. Total tossing time about 1–2 minutes.

Finish with Cheese & Herbs

Remove the pan from heat. Add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest (if using). Toss until the cheese melts into the sauce and lightly thickens it; if the mixture seems dry, add up to the remaining reserved pasta water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Season & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning: add additional salt if needed and up to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Divide into 4 servings and top each portion with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan over each serving and arrange basil leaves on top for color and fragrance.