Pasta with Browned Butter and Mizithra
A quick pasta tossed with nutty browned butter and salty Mizithra cheese for a rich, simple dinner with big flavor.
Prep 5 min · Cook 15 min · Total 20 min · Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 cup salted butter, sliced into pieces
- 3 oz finely grated Mizithra cheese, or to taste
Directions
- Prepare the pasta using the package instructions. For a faster start, use very hot tap water when filling the pot so it reaches a boil more quickly.
- While the pasta cooks, add the butter to a small, light-colored saucepan set over medium heat. Swirl the pan now and then as it melts and cooks, continuing until the butter turns brown. Starting with the butter cut into slices helps it melt evenly.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly, but do not rinse it, since the butter needs that starchy surface to cling to. Transfer the pasta to plates, spoon the browned butter over the top, including the browned bits from the pan, then add the Mizithra cheese. Toss if you want everything evenly coated.
- Serve right away. If desired, finish with freshly cracked black pepper and chopped fresh parsley. Additional salt is usually unnecessary because Mizithra is quite salty.