Ben Maxwell, adapted by JojoM

Silky, glossy butter pasta emulsified with starchy water and finished with lemon for brightness. Ready fast and perfect for a cozy meal.
This butter pasta relies on a simple emulsion of cold butter and starchy pasta water to create a glossy, creamy sauce without any cream. A squeeze of lemon at the end keeps the flavor bright and balanced.
Adding the butter gradually while whisking lets the water and fat bind into a smooth sauce. Keeping the heat gentle prevents the emulsion from splitting and preserves the silky texture.
Use any long pasta you like, and keep the butter cold so it melts slowly into the sauce. Parmesan is optional but adds extra savory depth.
Cook the pasta until just al dente, then build the sauce in a separate pan with hot pasta water and cold butter. Toss the pasta in the sauce and adjust with more water or butter until it coats the noodles evenly.
Butter pasta is best right away. If you need to hold it briefly, keep it off the heat and loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water before serving.
Silky, glossy butter pasta emulsified with starchy water and finished with lemon for brightness. Ready fast and perfect for a cozy meal.

Keep the heat at medium or lower so the butter sauce stays emulsified.
Reserve extra pasta water so you can adjust the sauce at the end.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, filling it only halfway so it becomes extra starchy.
Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package timing.
Reserve at least 60 ml of pasta water, then keep the pasta hot.
Warm a large saute pan over low heat.
Add 60 ml of pasta water and increase the heat to medium.
Whisk in the cold butter a few cubes at a time until the sauce is glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.
Remove the pan from the heat while you finish the pasta.
Add the hot pasta to the pan and toss to coat.
Adjust the sauce with more pasta water, more butter, or brief gentle heat as needed, keeping the heat at medium or lower.
Finish with a small squeeze of lemon juice and salt to taste.
Serve with grated Parmesan if using.
1/1/2026
I added extra pasta water at the end and it came out perfect.
1/1/2026
The lemon finish is subtle but makes a big difference.
1/1/2026
The sauce stayed silky and coated every strand. Quick and comforting.
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Serving Size: 1 serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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