Spaghetti with Brown Butter
A simple yet elegant pasta dish where spaghetti is tossed in a nutty, aromatic brown butter sauce with a hint of garlic and Parmesan. A restaurant-quality meal ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tsp of salt.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Just before draining, use a mug or heatproof measuring cup to reserve at least 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti.
Prepare the Brown Butter Sauce
- While the pasta is cooking, place the butter in a large, light-colored skillet over medium heat.
- Allow the butter to melt completely, then continue cooking. It will foam up, then the foam will subside. Swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Watch closely for small, golden-brown specks to form at the bottom of the pan and for the butter to develop a nutty aroma. This process takes about 5-7 minutes.
- As soon as the butter is browned, immediately add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
Combine and Emulsify
- Turn the heat to low. Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the brown butter and garlic.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining 0.5 tsp salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Use tongs to toss the pasta vigorously and continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- The tossing motion and starchy water will emulsify the butter and cheese into a creamy, glossy sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve
- Divide the pasta among four bowls.
- Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a light-colored skillet (like stainless steel) to accurately gauge the color of the butter. It's difficult to see the brown specks in a dark, non-stick pan.
- 2Do not walk away from the browning butter. It can transition from perfectly nutty to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- 3The starchy pasta water is the secret ingredient. It's full of starch that helps the butter and cheese emulsify into a silky sauce instead of a greasy one.
- 4For a brighter flavor, add the zest of half a lemon to the pasta along with the parsley at the end.
- 5Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
- 6For a touch of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Toss in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken strips, or crispy pancetta at the end for a more substantial meal.
Incorporate VegetablesIncorporate Vegetables
Wilt a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce, or add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or roasted asparagus.
Add TextureAdd Texture
Top the finished dish with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped toasted walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Herb VariationsHerb Variations
Instead of parsley, try fresh sage leaves fried in the butter until crisp, or a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the spaghetti serve as a primary source of energy for the body, making this a satisfying and fuel-providing meal.
Flavor from Whole Foods
This recipe derives its rich, complex flavor from simple, whole ingredients like butter and garlic, avoiding processed sauces and artificial additives.
Source of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Real butter is a natural source of fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune function, and Vitamin K2, which plays a role in bone and heart health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this dish contains approximately 650-750 calories, primarily from the pasta, butter, and cheese. The exact number can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
