Jump to:
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you're on the hunt for a dish that screams elegance but is deceivingly simple to make, you've hit the jackpot with my Brown Butter Sage Pasta recipe. This one is a game-changer, trust me. Combining the nutty, aromatic allure of brown butter with the earthy touch of sage, this pasta dish transforms humble ingredients into something magical. Best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry.
Now, don't let the simplicity fool you. When you take that first bite, you'll experience an explosion of flavors that'll make you wonder why you ever settled for plain old spaghetti and marinara. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you're strapped for time, yet luxurious enough for date night or entertaining guests, this pasta is the epitome of versatile cooking. So roll up those sleeves and let's get cooking—you're just 30 minutes away from a plate of pure deliciousness!
Substitution Suggestions
Hey there, cooking enthusiasts! I know that sometimes we don't have all the ingredients on hand, or maybe you're catering to specific dietary needs. So here are some personal tips on substituting ingredients in the Brown Butter Sage Pasta recipe.
- Pasta Type: Honestly, you can use whatever pasta you have available. Penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free varieties work well here. Just be mindful of cooking times.
- Butter: If you're going vegan or dairy-free, no worries! I've used vegan butter and even coconut oil for a different twist, and both worked well in place of the unsalted butter.
- Sage: If fresh sage is hard to come by, dried sage can work in a pinch. Use about a third of the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Garlic: Don't have fresh garlic? Garlic powder or even pre-minced garlic from a jar will suffice. I'd recommend about a teaspoon of garlic powder if you're going that route.
- Parmesan Cheese: Vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast can be used as a plant-based cheese alternative. And if you're simply out of Parmesan, you might try another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Lemon Zest: It's optional, but if you like that citrus kick and don't have lemons, a splash of white wine or a bit of apple cider vinegar can offer a similar acidic balance.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you don't like spice, simply skip them. On the flip side, if you want something even more fiery, a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce can really kick things up.
- Salt and Pepper: You can get creative here too. Sometimes, I use flavored salts like garlic salt or even a pinch of smoked sea salt for a little something extra.
Tips and Tricks: Elevate Your Brown Butter Sage Pasta
Hey there, aspiring chefs and home cooks! Here's my arsenal of tips and tricks to elevate your Brown Butter Sage Pasta to the next level. Trust me, you won't regret giving these a try.
- Monitor Your Butter: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns. It can go from golden brown to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stir it frequently to get an even color.
- Taste Your Pasta Water: Always taste the water you're boiling the pasta in. It should be as salty as the sea. This flavors the pasta from the inside out.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don't forget to set aside some pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. The starchy water works like magic to thicken and enrich your sauce.
- Fry the Sage: Make sure your sage leaves really crisp up in the brown butter. Crispy sage not only tastes great but adds a beautiful visual element to the dish.
- Freshly Grate Your Parmesan: Trust me on this one, freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly and tastes better than pre-grated stuff.
- Use Fresh Garlic: While minced jar garlic or garlic powder works, nothing beats the flavor of freshly minced or pressed garlic.
- Add Ingredients in Stages: Don’t rush to throw all the ingredients into the pan at once. Add them in stages to ensure each element cooks to perfection.
- Taste as You Go: Before serving, always taste the pasta. Adjust the seasoning, whether it's more salt, pepper, or cheese, to make it just right for you.
- Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Just cook your protein separately and toss it in at the end to avoid overcooking.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente! Overcooked pasta turns mushy and won't hold the sauce well.
- Keep it Fresh: If you want to go the extra mile, garnish with some fresh basil or parsley. It adds another layer of flavor and makes the dish look even more appealing.
- Pair Wisely: A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light salad can make this meal truly restaurant-worthy.
Recipe
Brown Butter Sage Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer or colander
- Garlic press (optional)
- Grater
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta such as linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- 1 stick 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10-12 fresh sage leaves
- 3 cloves garlic minced (or pressed)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- Zest of 1 lemon optional
- Red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.
- Brown the Butter: While the pasta is cooking, place a skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter starts to brown and smells nutty, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Sage and Garlic: Once the butter has browned, add the sage leaves and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sage is crisp and the garlic is golden but not burned.
- Combine and Season: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the brown butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
- Add Cheese and Spices: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Add salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional lemon zest or red pepper flakes to taste. Toss everything together.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, making sure to include a few sage leaves on each plate. Top with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Brown Butter Sage Pasta - FAQ
Absolutely! You can use any pasta type you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but be cautious when adding extra salt.
Fresh sage is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor, but if you don't have it, you can use about one-third the amount of dried sage as a substitute.
This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio.
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu make great additions if you’re looking for extra protein.
The brown butter sauce is best when freshly made, but you can make it a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat before combining with pasta.
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Jaime says
Excellent Simple Recipe 😉
Michael Whiting says
Thank You.
Jack Conners says
I loved the recipe, I may have burned the butter a little.
Michael Whiting says
TY. Go slower when warming the butter.