I have all kinds of easy ways to incorporate veggies into pasta dishes for kids, but some days, we just need the classic and comforting option of Buttered Noodles. This is my go-to method for the creamiest, easiest buttered pasta to share with the kids.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta according to package directions, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water toward the end of the cooking. Drain the pasta.
Return the pasta to the pot. Add the butter, Parmesan, and a little of the cooking water at a time as you toss the pasta. Continue tossing until the butter and Parmesan are melted, adding a little more cooking water as needed to make a light sauce.
Serve warm with pepper and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, portion into a heat-safe bowl and sprinkle with water. (This helps to add a little moisture so the pasta isn't dry.) Warm in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until warmed through.
This works best with wheat-based pastas as the starch from the pasta cooking water helps create the smooth sauce.
To make this gluten-free, use your preferred pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain (and rinse if the package says to). Swap in very hot water for the pasta cooking water, adding just a little at at time. Be gentle when stirring as this type of pasta can be more likely to break.
Top with additional Parmesan cheese or cracked black pepper.