This is our all-time favorite dish to order at the Old Spaghetti Factory. If you’ve never tried it, make this recipe at home—you’ll be delighted. The combination of caramelized, browned butter and sharp Mizithra cheese tossed with hot thin spaghetti is simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
Browned butter adds a toasty, almost caramel-like depth that pairs perfectly with freshly grated Mizithra. The flavor is rich but pure: butter, salty-sweet cheese, a touch of pasta water to bind, and a sprinkle of black pepper and parsley for balance. It’s a restaurant-quality plate you can prepare in under 20 minutes.
This recipe is extremely easy and costs only a fraction of what you’d spend at a restaurant. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or feeding a hungry family. With just a few pantry ingredients you can make a memorable pasta that everyone will ask for again and again.
Where Can I Buy Mizithra Cheese?
Mizithra has become easier to find as specialty cheese sections grow in grocery stores. Check the specialty cheese case, and you may even find it at warehouse stores. Buying a small wedge and grating what you need is convenient—freeze the remainder in a resealable bag so you always have some on hand. If you can’t find Mizithra, a sharp, dry sheep’s milk cheese or a tangy ricotta salata can work as a substitute, though the authentic flavor comes from Mizithra’s distinctive bite.
This dish is great for entertaining or when guests drop by unexpectedly. Serve it alongside a simple salad or quick garlic-butter broccoli to round out the meal. The simplicity of the pasta makes it easy to batch up for a crowd while still feeling special.
Other Pasta Recipes to Try:
Pasta is a workhorse in our kitchen—affordable, quick, and flexible. If you like this browned-butter-and-Mizithra version, you may also enjoy other family-friendly pasta dishes that are easy to make and crowd-pleasing. Try classics that use simple ingredients for maximum flavor. Each of these recipes is designed to be practical for weeknight cooking while still feeling indulgent enough for company.
Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese Recipe
Spoil yourself with this simple copycat recipe for Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese. Ready in under 20 minutes and absolutely delicious. Make it any night you want a quick, comforting meal.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 16 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
- 1 cup Mizithra cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon reserved pasta cooking water (more if needed)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 tablespoon of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Keep the butter moving by stirring or swirling the pan. The butter will foam, then turn golden and finally brown with a nutty, caramel-like aroma. Watch carefully—browned butter can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Remove from heat once it reaches a rich brown color and a fragrant, toasted scent.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the browned butter. Add the reserved tablespoon of pasta water and toss immediately to coat every strand. The starchy water helps create a light sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Sprinkle the grated Mizithra over the pasta and toss again until the cheese melts slightly and blends with the butter to form a silky coating. Season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer to a large serving bowl or serve directly from the skillet. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra shower of grated Mizithra if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on the exact ingredients used.
- If Mizithra is unavailable, try a firm sheep’s milk cheese or ricotta salata as a substitute, keeping in mind the flavor will differ slightly.
- For a lighter version, reduce the butter and add a splash more pasta water to achieve a saucier texture.
Tried this? Leave a rating or a comment on your version—simple recipes like this are perfect for adapting to what you have on hand.
Image credits: photos of the finished dish and step shots included above.
