browned butter parmesan pasta

•browned butter parmesan pasta•

browned butter is such a treat, and the smell reminds me of fall.

i usually make it for baking recipes, but it is amazing in this simple, comforting pasta:

<<ingredients>>

• 4 tablespoons butter 
• ½ pound whole wheat spaghetti noodles {8 ounces}
• ¼ cup pasta water + more if needed {keep it in the pot until you're done just in case!}
• ⅓ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese + extra for topping
• freshly ground black pepper
• optional: basil, cooked chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes for topping variations

<<directions>>

1. melt the butter in a small pan over medium-low heat. once melted, keep cooking the butter and whisk frequently until the foam goes away and the butter start to turn brown. {about 10 minutes in to cooking} this happens quickly once it starts turning brown, and you will notice a nutty smell. take it off the heat right away and let it cool. it's so easy to burn brown butter, it has to be watched carefully -- don't leave it while it's on the heat!
2. in a separate pot, boil the whole wheat pasta noodles to al dente following package instructions.
3. here is the hassle part...you have to keep the pasta water, so instead of straining noodles you have to either remove noodles from water using tongs, or-- put another bowl below strainer to catch pasta water.
4. pour the browned butter and 1/4 cup of the pasta water over the noodles, covering them evenly. add in sprinkles of parmesan cheese and pepper. toss well until the noodles are coated in the creamy sauce. if they still seem try, add spoonfuls of pasta water at a time until the right texture is achieved.
5. serve in bowls, topping with more parmesan and a few more sprinkles of pepper on top. add additional optional toppings if desired.

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i love trying all different recipes, but simple ones like these are my f a v o r i t e.

this one tastes so simple yet delicious and authentic..it reminded me of the cacio e pepe

we had in rome. make it, and let us know what you think!

xoxo