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A timeless comfort food classic, this Buttered Pasta comes together in minutes. Perfectly al dente pasta is tossed in a rich, creamy sauce of melted butter, savory Parmesan cheese, and starchy pasta water, creating a simple yet deeply satisfying meal loved by all ages.
For 4 servings
Cook the Pasta
Melt the Butter
Create the Emulsified Sauce
A timeless comfort food classic, this Buttered Pasta comes together in minutes. Perfectly al dente pasta is tossed in a rich, creamy sauce of melted butter, savory Parmesan cheese, and starchy pasta water, creating a simple yet deeply satisfying meal loved by all ages.
This italian_american recipe takes 17 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 720.25 calories per serving with 21.56g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or supper.
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Adjust and Serve
Melt the butter and continue to cook it until it foams and brown specks appear. Add a few fresh sage leaves for the last minute of browning for a nutty, aromatic twist.
Sauté 1-2 minced garlic cloves in the melting butter for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick of heat.
After tossing the pasta, stir in the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor. Add other fresh herbs like basil or chives along with the parsley.
Toss in cooked, shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or a can of drained chickpeas at the end for a more substantial meal.
The carbohydrates from the pasta provide a quick and efficient source of energy, making this a satisfying meal to refuel your body.
Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals that play a vital role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
A typical serving of this Buttered Pasta contains approximately 700-750 calories, primarily from the pasta, butter, and cheese.
Buttered Pasta is a delicious comfort food that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it energy-dense. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can increase its nutritional value by using whole wheat pasta and serving it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
This usually happens for two reasons: not using the starchy pasta water, or not tossing vigorously enough. The pasta water is essential for emulsifying the fat from the butter and cheese into a creamy sauce. Tossing continuously and quickly helps this process along.
Absolutely! While long pastas like spaghetti, fettuccine, and linguine are classic choices, this sauce also works well with short shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells, as they have nooks and crannies to catch the sauce.
Yes, you can easily make this gluten-free by substituting your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta. Be sure to follow the package cooking instructions, as cooking times can vary.
Yes, this dish is a great base. You can add steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas. For protein, cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans are excellent additions. Add them in the final step when you are tossing everything together.
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