Print

Quick Brown Butter Pasta Recipe with Crispy Sage and Toasted Walnuts

brown butter pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring nutty browned butter, crispy sage leaves, and toasted walnuts for a cozy, flavorful dinner ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter (preferably European-style like Kerrygold)
  • 12–15 fresh sage leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 1/3 cup (40 grams) walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Zest of 1 small lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water (about 4 quarts) to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts and foams. After 4-5 minutes, when butter turns golden-brown and smells nutty, proceed carefully to avoid burning.
  3. Add minced garlic (if using) and sage leaves to the browned butter. Fry sage leaves for 1-2 minutes until crisp and slightly darker but not burnt. Remove sage leaves with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  4. Add chopped walnuts to the browned butter and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove walnuts and set aside with sage leaves.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with remaining brown butter. Toss gently to coat noodles evenly. If pasta looks dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until sauce is silky.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add lemon zest if using and mix well.
  7. Serve immediately by plating pasta and topping with crispy sage leaves, toasted walnuts, and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Keep sage leaves completely dry before frying to ensure crispiness. Stir butter frequently and use medium heat to avoid burning. Add pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency. For vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make the dish gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter pasta, crispy sage, toasted walnuts, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, cozy meal, nutty pasta sauce

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/quick-brown-butter-pasta-recipe-with-crispy-sage-and-toasted-walnuts-perfect-for-easy-dinners/