Buttered White Pasta
Silky strands of pasta coated in melted butter with a whisper of garlic and a shower of parmesan. This pantry-friendly comfort dish comes together in under 15 minutes and hits the spot when you need something warm, simple, and satisfying.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~10 min
Boil the pasta.
1.Bring 3 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.2.Add salt and stir.3.Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions (8–10 minutes).4.Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.TIPReserve pasta water before draining — its starchiness helps the butter coat every strand. - saute · ~2 min
Melt the butter and sauté garlic.
1.Return the pot to the stove over medium-low heat.2.Add butter and let it melt gently without browning.3.Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.TIPKeep the heat low — garlic burns fast and turns bitter. - mix · ~1 min
Toss pasta in the butter.
1.Return drained pasta to the pot with the butter-garlic mixture.2.Add a splash of reserved pasta water (about 2 tablespoons).3.Toss well until every strand is glossy and coated.4.Add black pepper and half the parmesan, toss again.TIPToss off the heat — residual warmth from the pasta is enough to melt everything together. - serve · ~1 min
Plate and finish.
1.Divide pasta among four bowls.2.Shower with remaining parmesan and sprinkle parsley on top.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a high-quality unsalted butter for the purest, richest flavor.
- 2Reserve a full cup of pasta water, not just ½ — starch helps emulsify the butter into a silky sauce.
- 3Slice garlic paper-thin instead of mincing for a milder, more even garlic flavor.
- 4Toss the pasta off the heat to prevent the butter from separating or greasing out.
- 5Grind black pepper generously right before serving for a fresh, pungent kick.
- 6Grate Parmesan from a block just before using — pre-grated lacks melt and flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Replace half the butter with starchy pasta water for a lighter sauce that still coats every strand — perfect for anyone watching their fat intake.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 200g of cooked, shredded chicken breast or 150g of sautéed shrimp in step 3 for a protein boost that turns this side into a hearty main.
veganVegan
Swap butter for a high-quality vegan butter or olive oil, and use a vegan Parmesan-style grating cheese — the technique stays the same.
jainJain
Omit garlic and onion-family ingredients; use asafoetida (hing) and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for aromatic depth.
herb infusedHerb-infused
Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme along with the garlic for an Italian-inspired twist — ideal when you want a more aromatic profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Moderate in Saturated Fat
Butter adds richness but using 3 tablespoons for four servings keeps saturated fat in check — pair with a green salad for balance.
Source of Protein from Parmesan
Parmesan provides a small but meaningful amount of protein per serving, supporting muscle maintenance.
Contains Calcium
Parmesan cheese is naturally rich in calcium, which supports bone health and nerve function.
Low in Added Sugar
This dish contains no added sugars, making it a wise choice for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but reduce or omit the salt added to the pasta water to avoid an overly salty dish.
