Buttered White Pasta
A simple, comforting side dish of tender white pasta tossed in unsalted butter and a hint of black pepper. It's the perfect accompaniment for fish or chicken, especially for low-sodium or kidney-friendly diets.
For 4 servings
Cook the pasta.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
TIPDo not add salt to the boiling water to keep this recipe extremely low in sodium, which is ideal for certain dietary needs.Drain the pasta.
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, carefully drain it in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the butter adhere.
Toss with butter and pepper.
- Return the hot, drained pasta to the warm pot.
- Add the unsalted butter and toss gently until it has completely melted and evenly coats the pasta.
- Season with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
TIPThe residual heat from the pasta and the pot will melt the butter perfectly without needing extra heat.Serve immediately.
Serve the buttered pasta warm as a simple and comforting side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a good quality unsalted butter for the best flavor, as it's a key ingredient in this simple dish.
- 2For a touch of freshness without adding sodium, you can toss the finished pasta with a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
- 3This dish is best served immediately, as the pasta can become dry if it sits for too long.
- 4If the pasta seems a little dry, add a tablespoon of the pasta cooking water (if unsalted) to help create a light sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Kid friendly
This recipe is already very kid-friendly. You can use fun pasta shapes like rotini, bow ties, or alphabet pasta to make it more appealing.
healthyHealthy
To add fiber, use whole wheat pasta. Note that this will increase the potassium and phosphorus content, making it unsuitable for some renal diets.
quickQuick
For an even faster side dish, use fresh pasta, which typically cooks in just 2-4 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Extremely Low in Sodium
Prepared without any added salt and using unsalted butter, this dish is an excellent choice for anyone following a strict low-sodium diet.
Kidney-Friendly Side Dish
This recipe is naturally low in potassium and phosphorus, making it a suitable and safe carbohydrate option for many renal diets.
Simple Energy Source
The refined pasta provides easily digestible carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy.
Frequently asked questions
Buttered pasta is a simple source of carbohydrates for energy. This version, made with unsalted butter and no added salt, is very low in sodium. It's best enjoyed as a side dish within a balanced meal that includes protein and vegetables.
