Butter Parmesan Pasta
Introduction
Butter pasta is one of the simplest yet most indulgent dishes you can make. It’s a recipe that combines minimal ingredients to create maximum flavor. Perfect for weeknight meals or an elegant addition to your dinner table, this pasta recipe is a winner for all occasions. With only a handful of pantry staples required, you can whip up this dish in under 20 minutes, making it the ultimate convenient comfort food.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
To make this delightful butter pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 pound of pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Prep Time
Preparing this dish is incredibly simple. You’ll need a total prep time of about 5 minutes, during which you can gather your ingredients and get started.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The pasta takes approximately 10 minutes to cook, while the butter and garlic sauce preparation requires around 5 minutes. With a total time of just 15 minutes, this dish yields about 4 servings, perfect for a small family or leftovers for the next day.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Pasta
1. Fill a large pot with water and add salt (about 1-2 tablespoons, depending on the amount of water).
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
4. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Prepare Garlic and Butter Mixture
1. In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently. Be cautious not to burn the garlic.
Toss Pasta with Butter Sauce
1. Lower the heat, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter mixture.
2. Toss the pasta thoroughly, making sure it is coated evenly with the butter sauce.
3. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to create a silky sauce. Stir well after each addition. You might not need to use the entire cup of pasta water.
Add Parmesan and Seasoning
1. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
2. Season the pasta with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Finishing Touches
1. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
2. Serve the butter pasta immediately while hot, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.
Notes
Pasta Options
Use your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
Butter
For the best flavor, use good-quality unsalted butter. If salted butter is used, reduce the amount of added salt in the dish.
Garlic
Ensure the garlic is finely minced or grated for even cooking and better distribution in the sauce.
Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is preferred over pre-grated varieties for a creamier consistency and better flavor.
Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
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Cook Techniques
Cooking the Pasta Al Dente
Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should remain slightly firm to the bite and not overcooked. This helps the texture of the dish.
Reserve Pasta Water
Save some of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. This water can help create a creamy sauce and ensure the dish has the right consistency.
Mixing Pasta and Sauce
Combine the cooked pasta with the prepared sauce in a cooking pan. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand of pasta evenly.
Toss Over Heat
Reheat and toss the pasta with sauce in the skillet over low heat to combine the flavors fully.
Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavors, use fresh garlic, butter, and herbs. Quality ingredients can make a big difference in simple recipes like this.
Adjusting the Sauce
If the pasta appears dry, add a bit more reserved pasta water. If the sauce is too watery, allow it to cook a little longer to thicken.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but adjust the amount of added salt to avoid the dish becoming too salty.
What can I add to this butter pasta?
You can enhance the dish with grilled chicken, shrimp, vegetables, or parmesan cheese for extra flavor and texture.
How do I store leftover butter pasta?
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth for moisture.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian. Make sure to use vegetarian-friendly parmesan cheese if desired.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta for this recipe. Follow the package instructions for cooking it.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Pasta with a simple shape, like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine, works well as it holds the buttery sauce nicely.
Conclusion
This simple butter pasta recipe is a delightful and versatile dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. It’s quick to make and perfect for any occasion, proving that simplicity often wins when it comes to satisfying meals. Experiment with suggested combinations to tailor the dish to your taste or make it your go-to quick meal for busy days.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Creamy Butter Garlic Pasta
Enhance the recipe by adding freshly minced garlic sautéed in butter and combining it with a splash of heavy cream for a rich and creamy variant.
Herbed Butter Pasta
Add a variety of fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme for extra layers of flavor and freshness.
Cheesy Butter Pasta
Mix in freshly grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or a blend of cheeses for a cheesy twist that’s absolutely irresistible.
Spicy Butter Pasta
Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite chili powder for a spicy kick that livens up the dish.
Butter Pasta with Vegetables
Toss in lightly steamed or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to create a more nutritious and colorful meal.
Butter Pasta with Protein
Turn it into a hearty dish by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon bits as complementary proteins.
