In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high. Add pears, one cut side down, and cook until browned, then reduce heat to medium and cook 3 minutes.
Turn pears to other cut side and cook 4 minutes.
Add sugar and 1 tablespoon water, swirling pan to combine.
Turn pears skin side down and cook until sauce is thickened slightly, 2 minutes.
Stir in vanilla and pinch of salt. Serve warm with ice cream.
