The simplest pasta that kids never say no to
Pasta with Butter and Parmesan
Prep Time
2 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
14 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Pasta with Butter and Parmesan
The simplest pasta that kids never say no to
★4.4(12)
Hot pasta tossed with butter, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of pasta water for a glossy, simple sauce. The picky-eater-approved dinner that takes just 15 minutes.
2m
Prep Time
12m
Cook Time
14m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This pasta with butter and Parmesan is the ultimate back-pocket dinner for nights when nothing else will do. The pasta water trick creates a silky emulsified sauce from just two simple ingredients.
Italian cooking is built on a foundation of simplicity and quality ingredients. This recipe honors that tradition while being approachable for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- 2
Return drained pasta to the warm pot. Add butter and toss until melted and coating every strand.
- 3
Add Parmesan a handful at a time, tossing vigorously with tongs between additions.
- 4
Splash in pasta water a few tablespoons at a time, tossing until the sauce is glossy and coats the pasta.
- 5
Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the table.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Substitutions
ParmesanPecorino Romano
Pecorino is sharper and saltier—use slightly less
ButterOlive oil for a lighter dish
Creates an aglio e olio style pasta instead
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Always reserve pasta water before draining—it is the secret to a silky, emulsified sauce.
Add the Parmesan off the heat and toss vigorously to prevent it from clumping.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate up to 3 days, though texture is best when fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water and a pat of butter, tossing until creamy.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (35mg) · 4 servings
Calories380
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein14g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat48g
Fiber480mg
Sugar2g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does my cheese clump?
- The pasta is too hot—let it cool 1 minute after draining, then add cheese while tossing constantly.
- Can I add protein?
- Grilled chicken, peas, or crispy bacon are easy additions that kids enjoy.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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