Simmered Butter and Parmesan Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, elegant pasta dish made with butter and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich sauce without cream. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs fettuccine, unsalted butter, Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat until bubbling.
  3. Step 3: Add drained fettuccine to skillet along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens to coat pasta.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and a pinch of salt. If sauce is too thick, add 1 tsp reserved pasta water at a time until desired consistency.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with additional Parmesan and black pepper.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Butter and Parmesan Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Simmered Butter and Parmesan Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fettuccine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Butter and Parmesan Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Simmered Butter and Parmesan Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Simmered Butter and Parmesan Pasta vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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