The Creamiest Butter Cheese Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Creamy butter cheese pasta weaves pure comfort into every delectable bite.

Memories of childhood kitchens dance through this simple yet luxurious dish.

Smooth melted cheese cascades over tender noodles, creating an irresistible symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners transform with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.

Rich, velvety textures invite you to savor each forkful without complexity.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this classic Italian-inspired comfort meal.

Grab a fork and let the culinary magic begin!

Why You’ll Want To Try Easy Butter Cheese Pasta

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this pasta recipe perfect for beginners or anyone craving a quick, delicious meal.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra ingredients like crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, or different cheese varieties to match your taste preferences.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Achieve a creamy, luxurious pasta dish with professional-level techniques using basic kitchen tools and common ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Versatile enough for a casual weeknight dinner, impromptu gathering, or a satisfying solo meal that feels like a gourmet experience.

What Goes In Easy Butter Cheese Pasta

• Pasta: A staple wheat-based food that serves as the foundation of this creamy, cheesy dish.
• Butter: A rich dairy product that provides a smooth, golden base for the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Cheese: A key ingredient that melts into a creamy coating, giving the pasta its signature luxurious texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds an aromatic and zesty dimension to the pasta.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright green herb that provides a fresh, crisp finish and visual appeal to the final dish.

How To Make Easy Butter Cheese Pasta Step By Step

Step 1: Boil Water Dramatically

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Toss in a generous pinch of salt to create a flavor foundation that will make your pasta sing.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Drop pasta into the bubbling water. Stir occasionally to prevent clingy pasta strands. Cook until pasta reaches that magical al dente texture with a slight bite.

Step 3: Melt Butter Gently

In a spacious skillet, transform butter into a golden liquid. Swirl it around on medium-low heat, watching it become smooth and fragrant without burning.

Step 4: Rescue Pasta Water

Before draining, scoop out a cup of starchy cooking water. This liquid gold will help create a silky, dreamy sauce later.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Butter

Transfer pasta directly into the butter-coated skillet. Toss gently, ensuring each pasta strand gets a luxurious butter massage.

Step 6: Introduce Cheese Magic

• Grated cheese
• Fresh parmesan
• Pecorino romano

Stir continuously, watching the cheese melt into a creamy blanket.

Step 7: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If the sauce looks too thick, splash in reserved pasta water. Stir until you achieve a glossy, restaurant-worthy texture.

Step 8: Season with Enthusiasm

• Freshly ground black pepper
• Sea salt
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Step 9: Add Aromatic Garlic

Finely mince fresh garlic. Sprinkle over the pasta for a flavor explosion that will make taste buds dance.

Step 10: Garnish with Freshness

Chop vibrant fresh parsley. Scatter generously over the pasta, adding a pop of color and herbal brightness.

Step 11: Serve Immediately

Plate the pasta while it’s steaming hot. The cheese should be perfectly melted, creating a dish that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Helpful Tips For Easy Butter Cheese Pasta

• Maximize Pasta Water: Save that starchy liquid gold to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta strand.
• Prevent Clumping: Stir pasta occasionally during cooking and toss immediately with butter to keep noodles separated and evenly coated.
• Control Cheese Melting: Sprinkle cheese gradually and stir continuously to achieve a creamy, uniform sauce without lumps or sticky patches.
• Balance Butter and Cheese: Use high-quality ingredients and add them in stages to develop rich, balanced flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Add minced garlic and chopped parsley at the end for a burst of aromatic freshness that transforms the simple pasta.

Fun Twists For Easy Butter Cheese Pasta

• Herb Infusion Pasta: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil to butter while melting for an aromatic herb-enhanced version.
• Spicy Garlic Kick Pasta: Include red pepper flakes and extra minced garlic for a zesty, bold flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Fusion Pasta: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Protein Power Pasta: Mix in crispy pancetta, grilled chicken, or sautéed shrimp to transform the recipe into a hearty protein-packed meal.

Best Sides With Easy Butter Cheese Pasta

• Savor Tangy White Wine Pairing: Crisp Italian Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of butter and cheese, balancing the pasta's creamy texture with its bright, zesty profile.
• Elevate with Herbal Green Salad: Fresh arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery, light contrast to the heavy, indulgent pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Match with Roasted Garlic Bread: Crusty, warm baguette slices rubbed with olive oil and roasted garlic complement the pasta's buttery notes, adding delightful crunch and depth.
• Complement with Crisp Prosecco: Sparkling Italian wine's effervescence and light acidity cut through the pasta's richness, creating a refreshing and elegant dining experience.

How To Store And Reheat Easy Butter Cheese Pasta

• Store leftover butter cheese pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the pasta's taste.
• Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore its creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best quality and flavor.
• When storing or reheating, add a small amount of butter or olive oil to help prevent the pasta from becoming dry or sticky.

Common Questions About Easy Butter Cheese Pasta

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Parmesan or pecorino romano are ideal, offering sharp, salty flavors that complement the butter perfectly. They melt smoothly and create a creamy sauce.

• Can I use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is recommended to control salt levels. It allows you to adjust seasoning precisely and prevents the dish from becoming too salty.

• How do I prevent my pasta from becoming too dry?

Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, glossy sauce and prevents the pasta from becoming clumpy or sticky.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this butter cheese pasta is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat products and can be easily prepared with basic pantry ingredients.

Butter Cheese Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy Butter Cheese Pasta brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Silky parmesan and rich butter blend seamlessly, creating a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 250 g / 8.8 oz pasta
• 100 g / 3.5 oz butter
• 150 g / 5.3 oz cheese

Seasoning:

• 2 g / 0.07 oz salt
• 1 g / 0.035 oz black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• 5 g / 0.17 oz fresh parsley
• 1 clove garlic

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat, adding a generous pinch of salt to enhance pasta flavor.
2. Carefully add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-low heat, allowing it to become smooth and slightly golden without burning.
4. Drain cooked pasta in a colander, reserving a small cup of starchy cooking water to help create a silky sauce later.
5. Transfer drained pasta directly into the butter-coated skillet, tossing gently to ensure every strand is evenly coated with melted butter.
6. Gradually sprinkle grated cheese over the pasta, stirring continuously to create a creamy, uniform coating that melts smoothly into the butter.
7. If sauce appears too thick, introduce small amounts of reserved pasta water to achieve a luxurious, glossy consistency.
8. Season with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
9. Crush and mince garlic finely, then sprinkle over the pasta for an aromatic kick.
10. Chop fresh parsley and scatter over the dish as a vibrant, fresh garnish just before serving.
11. Plate immediately while the pasta is hot and the cheese is perfectly melted, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Butter Selection Matters: Choose high-quality unsalted butter for richer, more controlled flavor and better sauce consistency.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly grated cheese at room temperature to ensure smoother, more even melting without clumping.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to create silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives made from rice, corn, or quinoa for celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1310 mg
• Fat: 62 g
• Saturated Fat: 37 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg