Butter-Thyme Pasta Delight
Butter-Thyme Pasta Delight is a delicious and simple pasta dish that is perfect for quick dinners. The Butter-Thyme Pasta Delight combines the richness of butter with the aromatic notes of fresh thyme to create a delightful meal. Preparing Butter-Thyme Pasta Delight takes only 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. This easy recipe is both comforting and impressive, perfect for any occasion.
Preparing the Ingredients
To make Butter-Thyme Pasta Delight, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. The main ingredients include dry pasta, butter with olive oil and sea salt, and fresh thyme leaves. You can substitute unsalted butter and add salt to taste if you prefer. For the thyme, using fresh leaves gives the best flavor, but dried thyme works as well if that’s what you have on hand. Start by stripping the thyme leaves from their stems and chopping them finely while waiting for the water to boil.
Cooking Process
Cooking Butter-Thyme Pasta Delight is straightforward and quick. First, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a nonstick pan over medium heat, then add the chopped thyme. Let the thyme infuse its flavor into the butter for about 3 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and mix it with the butter-thyme sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring every strand is well-coated.
Serving Suggestions
Butter-Thyme Pasta Delight is best enjoyed immediately while hot. For added texture and flavor, consider topping your pasta with toasted pine nuts or walnuts. Grated parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper can elevate the dish further. If you want a protein boost, add cooked chicken or shrimp. This dish is not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Enjoy this elegant yet simple meal any night of the week.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Butter-Thyme Pasta
- Choosing Pasta: Croxetti is a great choice due to its unique shape, which holds the sauce well. However, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
- Butter Tips: Using butter with olive oil and sea salt adds a subtle complexity to the dish. If unavailable, use unsalted butter and season with salt to taste.
- Browning Butter: For a nutty, richer flavor, let the butter brown slightly before adding the thyme. Watch it carefully to avoid burning.
- Herb Infusion: Ensure the thyme is finely chopped to release its full flavor. Fresh thyme is best, but if using dried thyme, remember it is more potent—use only 1 teaspoon.
- Adding Protein: Enhance the dish by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms. This can turn it into a more substantial meal.
- Optional Toppings: Finish with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added texture. Grated parmesan cheese, freshly cracked pepper, or a splash of lemon juice can also elevate the flavors.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Storage: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of extra butter to refresh the sauce.
Butter-Thyme Pasta
4
servings5
minutes15
minutes450
kcal20
minutesDive into the simplicity and elegance of this Butter-Thyme Pasta! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines the rich flavors of butter and fresh thyme with your favorite pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a delightful meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. Try it tonight and elevate your pasta game!
Ingredients
10 ounces dry pasta (Croxetti or your preferred type)
8 tablespoons butter with olive oil and sea salt
1 heaping tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- Alternative Ingredients:
Unsalted butter replace butter with olive oil and sea salt; add salt to taste
Dried thyme replace fresh thyme; use 1 teaspoon
Gluten-free pasta replace regular pasta for gluten-free option
Directions
- Preparing Thyme – While waiting for the water to boil, strip the thyme leaves from their stems and chop them finely.
- Cooking Pasta – In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Making Butter-Thyme Sauce – As the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a small nonstick pan over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, add the chopped thyme and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 3 minutes to infuse the flavors without frying the thyme.
- Serving -Drain the cooked pasta using a colander and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the butter-thyme sauce over the pasta and toss well to combine. Serve immediately while hot. Optionally, top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts, grated parmesan cheese, freshly cracked pepper, or add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- large pot
- colander
- mixing bowls
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 100mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 4mg
- Iron: 10mg
FAQ- Butter-Thyme Pasta
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, you can use dried thyme. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in place of the fresh thyme.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Croxetti is recommended, but any pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or penne will work well.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
How can I add protein to this dish?
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to enhance the protein content.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, use a vegan butter substitute and make sure your pasta is egg-free to create a vegan version.
Can I prepare the butter-thyme sauce ahead of time?
While the sauce is best made fresh, you can prepare it ahead and gently reheat it before tossing it with the pasta.
What can I serve with Butter-Thyme Pasta?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables would pair nicely with this pasta dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of extra butter.
Can I add other herbs to this recipe?
Absolutely! Experiment with herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving is approximately 450 calories.
