Simple and Delicious Buttered Herb Pasta

Written by
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
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Linda Larsen
Updated 10/19/19
Buttered Herb Pasta
The Spruce
  • Total: 15 mins
  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
383 Calories
12g Fat
58g Carbs
11g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Amount per serving
Calories 383
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 7g 33%
Cholesterol 27mg 9%
Sodium 1216mg 53%
Total Carbohydrate 58g 21%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Protein 11g
Calcium 102mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This super simple recipe is a good accompaniment to everything from meatloaf to broiled chicken or fish.

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Ingredients

  • 16 oz. linguine or spaghetti pasta
  • 1 tbsp. salt
  • 5 tbsp. butter
  • 3 tbsp. fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 3 tbsp. fresh basil (chopped)
  • Optional: 3 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. 

    Ingredients for buttered herb pasta

  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. For one pound of pasta, you should use 4 to 5 quarts of water. Add salt.

    Bring large pot of water to boil and add salt
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  3. Add the linguine or spaghetti and stir. Turn on the timer to 2 minutes less than the package directions state. You don't want to overcook the pasta, and it's best to start testing the pasta before it's done.

    Cook linguine in pot
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  4. When the timer goes off, taste a strand. It should be tender, but not mushy, with some resistance in the center.

    Test one linguine to see if it is cooked
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  5. Remove 1/3 cup of pasta water and set aside.

    Remove some water out of pasta
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  6. Drain the pasta into a colander placed in the sink.

    Drain pasta
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  7. Return the pasta to the hot pot.

    Add pasta back to pot
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  8. Add butter, parsley, and basil, and toss with tongs. Add some of the pasta cooking water if you think it necessary.

    Add butter, parsley, and basil, and toss with tongs. Add some of the pasta cooking water
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  9. Toss over low heat for a minute or two, and sprinkle with cheese.

    Finished buttered herb pasta
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  10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

  • Quality Ingredients - Choose a good quality pasta, preferably one from Italy. Make sure the butter you use is fresh and of the best quality, and the herbs should be fresh and green. 
  • Reserve Pasta Water - Pasta water is a crucial ingredient when making pasta dishes. Reserve about 1/3 cup of the water before you drain the pasta. Then add that water to the pasta when you are tossing it in the sauce, as necessary, to make the dish creamy.

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