A reliable recipe for real life
Sometimes dinner needs to be fast, comforting, and genuinely easy. Pasta, butter, and Parmesan come together with a splash of starchy pasta water to make a silky sauce without a long ingredient list.
The recipe is a useful base for weeknights: serve it as written or finish individual bowls with black pepper, herbs, or vegetables without changing the simple core.
What you’ll need
Simple ingredients do their best work when each one has a clear purpose. The exact quantities and adjustable measurements are in the recipe card below.
- 0.44 lb pasta, spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
How to make 3-ingredient pasta
Here’s the method at a glance. Use the interactive recipe card for the complete quantities and checkable cooking instructions.
- 01Boil the pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- 02Reserve pasta water
Before draining, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta.
- 03Melt the butter
Return the pot to low heat and gently melt the butter without browning it.
- 04Build the sauce
Return the pasta to the pot. Add the Parmesan and toss continuously, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is glossy and coats the pasta.
- 05Season and serve
Taste, season if needed, and serve immediately. Black pepper, parsley, or extra Parmesan can be added at the table.
Recipe success tips
- ✓Grate Parmesan finely so it melts quickly and evenly.
- ✓Take the pot off high heat before adding cheese to prevent clumps.
- ✓Save more pasta water than you think you need; the sauce thickens as it stands.
Easy variations
Warm a small amount of minced garlic in the butter before returning the pasta to the pot.
Fold in baby spinach, peas, parsley, or basil just before serving.
Finish with plenty of freshly cracked black pepper for a simple cacio e pepe-inspired variation.
Notes & storage
- Salt, pepper, and optional garnishes are treated as pantry seasonings and are not included in the three core ingredients.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any pasta shape?
Yes. Spaghetti, penne, fusilli, and macaroni all work; follow the package cooking time for the shape you choose.
How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
Use finely grated cheese, keep the heat low, and toss with warm pasta water a little at a time.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can use plant-based butter and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but flavor and nutrition values will change.
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Yes. Spinach, peas, roasted tomatoes, chicken, or shrimp can turn the base recipe into a fuller meal.
