Pin it A rich and aromatic pasta dish featuring nutty brown butter, crispy sage, and tender ditalini, perfect for a quick yet elegant meal.
This dish quickly became a favorite for weeknight dinners because of its simplicity and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g ditalini pasta, 2 liters water, 1 tbsp kosher salt
- Sauce: 100 g unsalted butter, 20 fresh sage leaves, 1 small garlic clove finely minced, 50 g grated Parmesan cheese, Zest of 1 lemon (optional), Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan cheese, Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add kosher salt and ditalini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water then drain pasta.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted add sage leaves. Continue cooking swirling the pan until the butter turns golden brown and the sage leaves become crisp (about 3 4 minutes). Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Step 3:
- Remove sage leaves with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel. Add minced garlic to the brown butter and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Add drained ditalini to the skillet with the brown butter and garlic. Toss to coat adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Step 5:
- Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan black pepper and lemon zest if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately garnished with crispy sage leaves and extra Parmesan.
Pin it This recipe brings my family together almost every week sharing stories over a warm meal.
Notes
For extra flavor add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Substitute pecorino for Parmesan if preferred. Excellent with a glass of dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio. Try adding roasted butternut squash or peas for a heartier meal.
Required Tools
Large pot, Large skillet, Slotted spoon, Grater (for cheese and lemon), Colander
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) milk (dairy). Ensure Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly if needed. Check all labels for potential allergens.
Pin it Enjoy this simple recipe with fresh ingredients for a delightful meal every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve the brown butter flavor?
Gently cook unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns golden and gives off a nutty aroma, being careful not to burn it.
- → What is the purpose of reserving pasta water?
Reserved pasta water is added to the skillet to create a smooth, silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- → Can I use other pasta shapes instead of ditalini?
Yes, small short pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells work well to hold the sauce and flavors.
- → How do you make crispy sage leaves?
Cook fresh sage leaves in the melted butter until they crisp up, then remove and drain on paper towels to maintain crispness.
- → Is lemon zest necessary in this dish?
Lemon zest adds a fresh brightness that balances the rich brown butter and savory cheese but can be omitted if preferred.