Kids Plain Buttered Pasta Recipe
Make Kids Plain Buttered Pasta Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Butter & Finishing
For Serving (optional)
Method
Pasta
Boil water
Pour 4 cups of water into a medium saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt once boiling.
Cook pasta
Add 8 oz of dry pasta to the boiling salted water. Stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender but still slightly firm (al dente) according to package directions — typically 7–10 minutes for small shapes.
Reserve water and drain
Before draining, scoop out and reserve about 1/4 cup of the hot cooking water. Then drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the still-warm pot (off the heat).
Butter & Finishing
Add butter
With the pot off the heat but still warm, add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the drained pasta. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to start melting, then gently toss (or stir) the pasta until the butter has fully coated the noodles.
Adjust texture
If the pasta seems dry or clumpy, add 1–2 tablespoons of the reserved warm cooking water at a time and gently toss until you reach a smooth, glossy coating. Use up to the reserved 1/4 cup as needed.
Add optional toppings
If using, stir in 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Season very lightly with up to 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper for older kids who can handle it, and sprinkle 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley for color.