How to Make the Perfect Butter Pasta Shapes
Italian · Easy · 15 min · 3 servings
Simple butter pasta shapes are a classic toddler favourite that comes together in minutes on busy weeknights. This kid friendly recipe uses fun shaped pasta to make mealtime exciting for little ones.
Why this recipe works
This Butter Pasta Shapes recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 200 g small pasta shapes such as stars or elbows
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan
- 0.25 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp reserved pasta water
- 1 pinch salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook pasta shapes in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water according to package directions until very soft and easy to squish. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Melt the butter
While pasta drains add unsalted butter to the warm pot over low heat and let it melt gently. Add garlic powder and stir briefly.
Step 3: Toss everything together
Return drained pasta to the pot and toss well in the melted butter. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light creamy sauce that coats every piece.
Step 4: Finish and serve
Stir in grated parmesan and mix until melted and combined. Serve immediately in a shallow bowl at a safe temperature for toddlers.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- unsalted butter → cream cheese for extra creaminess
- parmesan → mild cheddar grated fine
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not reserving pasta water which makes the sauce dry and clumpy
- Serving too hot without allowing time to cool to a toddler safe temperature
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 9g protein, 46g carbs, 8g fat, 2g fiber.
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