Simple Buttery Parmesan Ramp Pasta Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it combines the perfect balance of buttery richness with the earthy, garlicky flavor of wild ramps, making every bite an explosion of flavor. Plus, it’s such a simple and quick dish to whip up, yet feels so gourmet and indulgent, perfect for impressing friends at a cozy dinner party or enjoying solo with a nice glass of wine.

My Simple Buttery Parmesan Ramp Pasta is a delicious fusion of earthy ramps and rich Parmesan cheese. The unsalted butter and olive oil coat the spaghetti so nicely, that the fresh greenery of ramps gets a chance to shine.

There’s just a hint of garlic and a whisper of red pepper flakes—that’s all it needs, really. This is a favorite dish for me.

Ingredients

Spaghetti or Linguine:
Rich in carbohydrates; supplies the body with vital energy.

Unsalted Butter:
Adds rich, creamy taste; delivers fat-soluble vitamins.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are good for heart health; provide antioxidants and vitamin E.

Ramps (Wild Leeks):
Provides distinct, garlicky taste; abundant in vitamins A and C.

Garlic:
Improves taste; has compounds that are good for the heart.

Parmesan Cheese:
Imparts deliciousness; is rich in protein and calcium.

Lemon Juice:
Delivers an invigorating, sharp flavor; an excellent source of vitamin C.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bunch of ramps (wild leeks), cleaned and trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of half a lemon (optional)
• Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the salted boiling water in a large pot, and cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Make sure to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before you drain the spaghetti or linguine.

2. As you cook the pasta, prepare the ramps by slicing them. When slicing, be sure to separate the white parts from the green parts; the white parts will need a little extra time in the pan to become tender.

3. In a big frying pan over a medium flame, combine the butter and olive oil. When the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. Place the white portions of ramps into the skillet and allow them to cook while stirring occasionally. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, and wait until they start softening.

5. Include the green ramp parts in the skillet and keep cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the greens are wilted.

6. Lower the heat to a simmer, and then add the pasta to the skillet. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help bind the components together and make the sauce as creamy as possible.

7. Cover the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and mix well until the cheese melts and becomes evenly distributed. If you think the sauce needs to be saucier, add more pasta water and stir again.

8. Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste to the pasta. Combine everything thoroughly until well mixed.

9. Take the skillet off the flame and, if you want to add some zing to the dish, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the pasta.

10. Enjoy your Simple Buttery Parmesan Ramp Pasta! Serve in bowls, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy it immediately!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Measuring cups
4. Chef’s knife
5. Cutting board
6. Large frying pan
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Grater
9. Ladle
10. Citrus juicer (optional)
11. Bowls for serving

FAQ

• Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?Certainly, you can replace the spaghetti or linguine with any of the following:

  – Long pasta (like fettuccine)
  – Short pasta (like penne or farfalle)

• What are ramps and where can I find them?Wild leeks that have a flavor of onion and garlic, ramps are typically found in farmers’ markets or specialty grocery stores in the spring.
• Is there an alternative to ramps if they are unavailable? Yes, you can use a mix of scallions and garlic, or sometimes even leeks can substitute the flavor profile of ramps.
• Can the Parmesan cheese be substituted?Certainly, Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese can be used, but be aware that they might change the flavor slightly.
• How do I prevent pasta from sticking together?While the pasta cooks, you should stir it and put a little olive oil into the pot of boiling water.
• Is the addition of lemon and red pepper flakes necessary?Though they are not required, they provide a lovely pop of color, and the warmth they add is a perfect counterpoint to all the cool ingredients in the salad.

Substitutions and Variations

8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine: For a different texture, use fettuccine or angel hair pasta.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Can be replaced with ghee or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
If you cannot find ramps, use scallions (green onions) or leeks.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Squeeze half a lemon: Substitute lime juice or a small amount of white wine vinegar for a similar level of acidity.

Pro Tips

1. Ramps Timing When cooking the ramps, make sure to add the white parts to the pan first since they need more time to soften compared to the green parts. This will ensure even cooking and better texture throughout the dish.

2. Pasta Water Magic The reserved pasta water is crucial for achieving a creamy sauce. Its starchiness helps emulsify the butter and cheese, so don’t hesitate to use more of it if needed until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Cheese Options While Parmesan is classic, you could mix in or substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or Grana Padano for a milder touch, depending on your taste preference.

4. Balancing Flavors The lemon juice is optional but highly recommended as it adds a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the butter and cheese. Start with a little and adjust to taste.

5. Finish with Texture For extra texture and flavor, consider topping the final dish with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs. This adds a delightful crunch and complements the buttery ramps.