Spaghetti with Butter and Parmesan

Spaghetti with Butter and Parmesan is a classic and versatile pasta dish that exemplifies the magic of simplicity in Italian cuisine. With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe offers a delightful canvas to explore various creative variations, making it a beloved choice for both quick weeknight dinners and special occasions.

As we explore the various delightful variations of this recipe, we’ll discover exciting combinations with ingredients like sage, cream, vegetables, Italian ham, and a range of additions, all offering unique flavors and textures to elevate this already beloved dish.

Whether you choose to keep it classic or venture into the world of creative additions, Spaghetti with Butter and Parmesan is sure to become a family favorite, celebrating the art of simplicity in Italian pasta dishes.

MAKES: About 4 servings

TIME: 30 minutes

INGREIENTS:

• Salt
• 4 to 6 tablespoons (1/2 to 3/4 stick) butter
• 1 pound long pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, or any other pasta
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
2. While the water boils, allow the butter to reach room temperature, softening it (microwave gently if needed). Place the softened butter in a warm bowl.
3. Cook the pasta until tender but not mushy. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. Toss the pasta with the butter, adding a little pasta-cooking water to thin the sauce if necessary. Mix in the grated Parmesan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve immediately. Offer additional Parmesan at the table for those who desire more.

VARIATIONS:

Pasta with Butter, Sage, and Parmesan:

• Heat 4 or more tablespoons butter with 20 or 30 fresh sage leaves over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
• The butter should brown, and the sage should sizzle.
• Toss the cooked pasta with the butter, sage, and Parmesan, thinning the sauce with pasta-cooking liquid if necessary.

Pasta with Butter, Parmesan, Cream, and Vegetables:

• Use 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter.
• In Step 1, when the butter has reached room temperature, whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream.
• Proceed with the recipe, adding up to 1 cup peas (fresh or thawed frozen) or cooked and chopped spinach, asparagus, or other tender cooked vegetables at the last moment.

Pasta with Butter, Parmesan, and Italian Ham:

• Cut about 6 ounces pancetta, coppa, or prosciutto into 1/4-inch dice.
• Put 2 tablespoons of the butter and the meat in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until the meat is lightly crisped, about 5 minutes.
• Add this to the warm bowl with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and proceed with the recipe.

Fettuccine Alfredo:

• Reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons and melt it gently.
• Use fettuccine.
• While the pasta cooks, whisk 2 eggs with 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated Parmesan in a warmed bowl.
• Sprinkle with pepper.
• When the pasta is cooked, toss it with the cheese-egg-cream mixture, adding a little of the cooking water if necessary to keep the mixture moist.
• Drizzle with the butter, toss well, and serve immediately.

10 Additions to Spaghetti with Butter and Parmesan:

Add one or a combination to the basic recipe or any of the variations.

• Any chopped fresh herb of your choice or a mixture of herbs (see Linguine with Garlic, Oil, and Fresh Herbs); mint is especially nice, about 1/2 cup or so.
• About 1 cup cooked peas.
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds or pistachios.
• Up to 2 cups cooked and drained broccoli florets.
• 2 or 3 large cooked artichoke hearts, sliced.
• A tablespoon or so grated lemon or orange zest.
• A tablespoon or so salted or brined capers.
• Ground dried or dried and smoked chiles, like ancho, chipotle, or guajillo, to taste.
• 2 to 4 sunny-side-up fried eggs, roughly chopped, or poached eggs (toss with the pasta).
• 10 to 20 mashed Roasted Garlic cloves.

Embrace the simplicity and elegance of Spaghetti with Butter and Parmesan, and let your culinary creativity run wild with its delightful variations and additions. Enjoy a comforting and delicious pasta experience that captures the heart of Italian cooking at its finest.