Buttery Pasta Recipe

Bring water to a rolling boil

In a large pot, add 4 liters (about 16 cups) of water and 2 tablespoons of coarse salt. Bring to a rapid, rolling boil over high heat.

Cook pasta

Add 12 oz dried spaghetti or linguine to the boiling water and stir to prevent clumping. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes).

Reserve pasta water and drain

Before draining, scoop and reserve 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside briefly (do not rinse).

Melt butter and warm garlic

While pasta cooks (or immediately after draining), heat a large wide skillet over medium heat. Add 8 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. When butter has fully melted and begins to shimmer, add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Cook, stirring, 1–2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges. Do not burn the garlic.

Add seasoning

Stir in 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and 1 teaspoon fine sea or kosher salt into the butter-garlic mixture. Cook 15–20 seconds to bloom the pepper. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and stir to combine.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with tongs to coat in the butter mixture. Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and continue tossing; the starchy water will emulsify with the butter to create a silky sauce. Add more reserved water, up to the reserved 1 cup, a tablespoon at a time as needed to reach a glossy, saucy consistency that evenly coats the pasta.

Finish with cheese and herbs

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan or Pecorino over the pasta and toss vigorously to combine; the cheese will melt into the sauce, further thickening and coating the pasta. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and, if using, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.

Adjust seasoning and serve

Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as desired. Transfer to warm plates or a serving bowl and serve immediately, offering extra grated cheese or cracked black pepper at the table.