Indulge in the rich, nutty flavors of Italy with a dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying: Pasta with Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese. In just 20 minutes, you can transform everyday ingredients into a gourmet experience that will leave your taste buds dancing. This delightful recipe combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with the luxurious essence of browned butter and the unique, salty tang of Mizithra cheese. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup Mizithra cheese, grated
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the browned butter. Place the unsalted butter in a medium-sized skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Melt the butter slowly, allowing it to foam and then turn a golden brown color. Watch carefully and swirl the pan occasionally to prevent burning. The butter will develop a nutty aroma and golden brown color, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot and immediately pour the hot browned butter over the pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the butter.
- Sprinkle the grated Mizithra cheese over the buttered pasta. If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to help the cheese melt and coat the pasta.
- Season with salt to taste, keeping in mind that Mizithra cheese is quite salty.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the cheese is melted.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always remember to salt your pasta water generously. This is your chance to infuse flavor into the spaghetti itself. Aim for a taste similar to the sea!
- Watch the Butter: When browning the butter, keep a close eye on it. It can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stir it occasionally and be ready to remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches that rich, nutty aroma.
- Mizithra Cheese: If you can’t find Mizithra cheese, look for a similar aged cheese with a salty profile, like Pecorino Romano. Just be cautious with the salt added to the dish since these cheeses can be quite salty on their own.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water! Adding a splash can help create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and cheese.
- Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing flavor that balances the richness of the dish. Serve immediately for the best experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 120mg
