Pasta with Butter and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this simple yet luxurious Pasta with Butter and Cheese recipe! Combining just a handful of pantry staples—al dente pasta, creamy melted butter, and freshly grated Parmesan—this dish is the epitome of elegance in simplicity. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner party delight. The magic lies in the reserved pasta water, which transforms into a silky sauce, coating every strand of pasta with rich, cheesy goodness. Customize it with a touch of freshly ground black pepper for a subtle kick, and serve it with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for that irresistible finishing touch. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this quick and satisfying recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Perfect for those craving a satisfying yet uncomplicated meal, this classic pasta dish delivers every time!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 50 grams unsalted butter
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (optional)
- 120 milliliters pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to season the water.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8–10 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, grate the Parmesan cheese and cut the butter into small cubes for easy melting.
Before draining the pasta, reserve 120 milliliters (approximately 1/2 cup) of the pasta cooking water. This will help create a silky sauce.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In the same pot (or a large skillet), melt the butter over medium heat until it is fully liquefied and begins to foam slightly.
Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the pot with the butter. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce. Continue tossing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce coats the pasta.
Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste, if desired.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, if preferred.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
478 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.7 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.0 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 74 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 1376 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 16.5 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 316 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 93 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
