Italian 15 min Easy

Pasta al Burro

The simplest comforting pasta: butter, parmesan and starchy water.

Origin & Story

Pasta al burro ('pasta with butter') is the Italian equivalent of a warm hug, the first dish many Italian children learn to love and the ultimate quick supper.

Main Spices & Their Role

Black pepper

A gentle grind to finish.

Nutmeg

An optional whisper of warmth (traditional).

Ingredients

200g pasta
3 tbsp butter
50g grated parmesan
Reserved pasta water
Salt & pepper

Method

01
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve some water.
02
Melt the butter in a wide pan.
03
Add the drained pasta and a splash of pasta water.
04
Toss with the parmesan until glossy and creamy.
05
Season with pepper and serve at once.

Veg & Vegan Alternatives

Vegetarian

Already vegetarian — use a vegetarian hard cheese.

Vegan

Use vegan butter and swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or plant-based parmesan.