Cheap & Delicious Buttered Noodles

Delicious noodles don't have to break the bank thanks to Joshua Weissman.

Prep
5 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
4
people
Cheap & Delicious Buttered Noodles
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Ingredients

Total cost: $4.48

Cost of Ingredients Used: $2.32

Cost Per Serving: $0.58 

  • ½ lb (225g) bucatini
  • ½ cup (120g) cold cubed unsalted butter, divided 
  • Kosher salt to taste 
  • Fresh cracked black pepper (optional)
  • Flakey salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Place bucatini in a large pot of boiling water that has been seasoned generously with salt. Cook according to package instructions or until cooked al dente, about 7 minutes. Do not drain the pasta.
  2. While noodles are boiling, to a large saucepan over medium-low heat add half your butter.  Once butter is slightly melted, cut off the heat and wait for your pasta to finish boiling.
  3. Using tongs transfer your cooked pasta directly from the pot of water into your melted butter saucepan.  Don’t worry about pasta water getting into the pan as it helps to emulsify the sauce. Add your remaining butter and begin constantly tossing the pasta while adding a Tbsp of pasta water at a time until your sauce is fully emulsified and slightly thickened.  Ideally you want it clinging to the pasta nicely.
  4. Season to taste with salt, toss again to coat evenly, and serve. Optionally, add flakey salt and freshly cracked pepper.  Be cautious when using flaky salt as it could over salt your dish if it’s already salty enough.