🍽️Butter Noodles

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 1 lb high-quality pasta from Whole Foods (pappardelle, tagliatelle, or fettuccine recommended)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. While pasta is cooking, melt 4 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
4. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
5. When pasta is done, drain (do not rinse) and immediately add to the skillet with the garlic butter.
6. Add remaining 2 tbsp of butter and toss pasta until butter is melted and pasta is evenly coated.
7. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and continue tossing.
8. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and continue to toss, adding more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10. Add lemon zest if using.
11. Transfer to serving plates and top with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Variations:

• Truffle Butter Noodles: Substitute 2 tbsp of the butter with truffle butter.
• Herb Butter Noodles: Add 1 tbsp each of fresh chopped herbs like basil, chives, and thyme.
• Lemon Butter Noodles: Add the juice of half a lemon along with the zest.
• Brown Butter Noodles: Brown the butter before adding the pasta for a nutty flavor.

Add-in Options:

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Steamed peas
• Grilled chicken
• Sautéed shrimp
• Roasted cherry tomatoes
• Toasted pine nuts

Notes:

• The quality of pasta makes a significant difference in this simple dish. Whole Foods carries excellent imported Italian pasta options.
• For best results, finish cooking the pasta in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes.
• Pasta water is essential for creating the silky sauce - don't forget to reserve some before draining.
• This dish is best served immediately as the sauce can thicken as it cools.