This buttery spaghetti is the ultimate comfort meal that’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for everyday cooking.
Made with just a few wholesome ingredients, it delivers a good balance of protein and healthy fats from Parmesan and butter while keeping carbs moderate.
Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or pairing with your favorite proteins and vegetables for a wholesome, family-friendly dinner.
Easy Butter Spaghetti
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot
- 1 colander
- 1 Stirring Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce package spaghetti noodles
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta Water: Fill a large pot with plenty of water, ensuring there’s enough for the spaghetti to cook freely without sticking. Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add about 2 tablespoons of salt. This step seasons the noodles from within and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Gently add the spaghetti noodles to the boiling water. Use a long-handled spoon or tongs to stir immediately to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Continue cooking according to the package instructions, usually around 8–10 minutes, until the noodles are al dente—cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite.
- Drain the Noodles: Once the spaghetti reaches the perfect texture, carefully pour it into a colander to drain the water. Avoid rinsing the noodles, as the natural starch helps the butter and cheese cling perfectly in the next steps. Allow the noodles to sit briefly so excess water can drip off.
- Melt the Butter: Return the empty pot to the stovetop over low to medium heat. Add the butter and let it slowly melt, stirring occasionally to ensure it melts evenly without browning. The butter should become glossy and fragrant, forming the base for the sauce that will coat the noodles.
- Combine Noodles and Butter: Carefully add the drained spaghetti back into the pot with the melted butter. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the noodles so each strand is thoroughly coated with the butter. Take your time to evenly distribute the butter, ensuring every bite will be rich and flavorful.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered spaghetti. Continue to toss gently until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the noodles. This creates a creamy, cheesy coating that sticks beautifully to each strand.
- Season with Black Pepper: Finish the dish by adding freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference. Toss the spaghetti lightly once more to ensure the pepper is evenly spread and the flavors are balanced.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the buttered Parmesan spaghetti into serving bowls or plates immediately while it’s still hot. Optionally, you can sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or black pepper on top for presentation. Serve as a simple meal on its own or alongside your favorite proteins or vegetables for a complete dinner.
Notes
- Long, thin pasta like spaghetti, linguini, fettuccine, or angel hair works best for this recipe, but you can swap in your preferred shape.
- Don’t rinse the noodles after cooking; the natural starch helps the butter and cheese cling better.
- Adjust the butter and Parmesan quantities according to your taste—more butter for richness or more cheese for extra creaminess.
- Freshly cracked black pepper adds depth and aroma, but you can also experiment with red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Pasta
To achieve silky, perfectly coated noodles every time, always cook the spaghetti al dente.
Overcooked noodles can become mushy and will not hold the butter and Parmesan properly.
Using room-temperature butter ensures it melts evenly, and tossing the noodles gently in the pot allows the sauce to coat every strand.
For an elevated flavor, you can finish the dish with a drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil or a hint of garlic sautéed in the butter before adding the pasta.
Serving Suggestions for Everyday Meals
This buttered spaghetti pairs beautifully with a variety of mains.
Serve it alongside roasted or grilled chicken, pan-seared fish, or meatloaf for a comforting, balanced meal.
For a vegetarian option, roasted or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms complement the buttery noodles perfectly.
You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan or fresh herbs such as parsley or basil on top to elevate the presentation and flavor for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
Store any leftover buttered spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
To reheat, sprinkle a little extra butter or a splash of milk over the noodles and microwave or warm gently on the stovetop to restore creaminess.
Avoid overheating, as it can dry out the noodles.
This recipe also freezes well—portion the spaghetti into freezer-safe containers for up to three months, then thaw and reheat gently for a convenient make-ahead meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti is ideal for coating with butter and Parmesan, you can use fettuccine, linguini, angel hair, or even short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the shape.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
The result will still be creamy and flavorful, though slightly different in taste.
3. How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic to the butter as it melts, tossing in fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or finishing with a drizzle of olive oil. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a mild heat.
4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, buttered spaghetti is excellent for meal prep. Cook the noodles and store them in airtight containers with a little butter to prevent sticking.
Reheat gently before serving, and you can quickly add extra Parmesan or herbs to refresh the flavors.
5. Can I double or triple this recipe?
Definitely. The recipe scales well—just ensure your pot is large enough for the noodles to cook evenly, and adjust the butter and cheese proportionally. Stir thoroughly to coat all the noodles for consistent flavor.
