Easy Butter Spaghetti
A simple, quick, and indulgent buttered spaghetti made with tender noodles, rich butter, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a comforting side, this recipe is ready in just 15 minutes with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
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.
