This Butter Parmesan Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-simple to make! All it takes is butter, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite pasta for a delightful dish that’s ready in no time.
Nothing beats a quick meal that tastes like a restaurant treat! I love adding a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs for a little extra flavor—what can I say, I like to spice things up! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is great, but you can mix it up with other small shapes like fusilli, rotini, or even farfalle. They all hold the sauce well!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best as it lets you control the salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan butter. It will still give your pasta that rich flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for that beautiful creamy sauce. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano works well, or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Cream or Milk: Heavy cream gives a luxurious texture, but you can substitute with whole milk or even half-and-half. For a lighter version, just skip it altogether or use unsweetened almond milk.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and flavor. Basil or chives can also brighten up the dish!
How Can You Achieve the Creamiest Pasta Sauce?
Getting a creamy sauce is all about combining the butter and cheese just right. Here’s how to do it:
- Begin with melted butter over medium heat, then add cream or milk to warm it up. Don’t boil it!
- Return your drained pasta to the pot and toss it quickly with the butter mixture so it absorbs the flavor.
- Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan while stirring to help it melt smoothly. If it seems too thick, add reserved pasta water bit by bit until you reach your desired creaminess.
Remember, the key is to stir constantly to avoid clumps and create a velvety texture. Enjoy your pasta!
How to Make Butter Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional for creamier texture)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Butter Parmesan Pasta recipe will take about 15 minutes of active cooking time. Just some boiling, melting, and mixing, and you’ll be ready to serve! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your pasta of choice and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a bit of a bite to it. After cooking, don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest.
2. Melt the Butter:
In the same pot where you cooked the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. If you’re using cream or milk for a creamier sauce, add it now and heat everything until it’s warm but not boiling—you want to keep it nice and smooth!
3. Combine Pasta and Butter:
Now, add the drained pasta back into the pot. Toss it quickly to coat the pasta in the melted butter (and cream, if used). It should start looking delicious and glossy!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly. This is where the magic happens! If the sauce feels too thick, use that reserved pasta water a little bit at a time to loosen it until it’s just right.
5. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, making sure it’s just how you like it!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in half of the chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the pasta immediately, and don’t forget to garnish with the remaining parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, and more black pepper if you like!
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Butter Parmesan Pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, you can substitute with any small pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the package instructions for the type of pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Cream?
Yes, you can easily skip the cream or milk if you prefer a lighter dish! The pasta will still be delicious with just butter and Parmesan. If you want a bit more moisture, consider adding a splash of reserved pasta water when mixing in the cheese.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to help loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! This pasta is super versatile. Feel free to mix in cooked vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, or even proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it heartier.
