Mizithra, pasta and browned butter, an Old Spaghetti Factory famous dish, is a perfect quick weeknight family meal. Everyone, including kids, love this dish. The key ingredient is the Mizithra cheese. Mizithra cheese is an “unpasteurized fresh cheese made with milk and whey from sheep and/or goats”:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mizithra . It can be difficult to find, but a Kroger Marketplace or a gourmet cheese store should have it in stock.

Between the garlic browned butter and the salty cheese, you have an irresistible pasta dish.

Ingredients

• 1/2 to 1 lb Mizithra Cheese (grated or shredded)
• 1/2 stick butter
• 8 cloves of garlic, 4 sliced, 4 diced
• Parsley (optional)
• Basil (dried and fresh-I recommend only using dried if your on a budget)
• 1 can diced tomatos, italian flavor
• 1 red onion
• 1 box spaghetti
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian Seasoning (optional)

Instructions

Cook pasta according to instructions on package. In a medium to large pan, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add diced onions and 4 diced garlic cloves, mix with salt, pepper, italian seasoning, dried basil. Cook until onions are translucent then add can of tomatos (you can then add fresh basil). In small pan heat butter and 4 sliced garlic cloves on medium high heat. Once butter begins to brown, turn down to low. Its important to not burn the butter.
Once pasta is cooked, toss with browned butter and parsley (optional). Top with half sauce and half cheese. Then it is ready to serve.
*I usually serve with additional mizithra on the side. The more the yummier!

If your wondering about calories- well just don’t think about it with this dish! This is not the healthiest, but also not the worse. Portion control is key.