Buttery White Wine Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry pasta
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbs unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Bring the wine to a simmer in a large skillet over medium heat. Simmer until reduced by about half, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the reserved pasta water, butter, and salt, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, then toss to coat with the sauce. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
The Magic of Pasta Water
Before draining your pot of pasta, scoop out some of that starchy water — it's the key ingredient that brings this simple sauce together. Adding water to thicken a sauce sounds a little counterintuitive, but it's a trick that works like a charm. It will only work with pasta water, though — you won't get the same result with tap water. Whisking in a scant amount of leftover pasta water to a simmering sauce adds a layer of starchiness that gives it body and a creamy texture. The sauce remains brothy, not heavy and thick, but it also takes on a lushness that is irresistible. Toss in veggies and cooked protein like grilled chicken or pork and call it dinner. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!