Save A rich and aromatic pasta dish featuring nutty brown butter, crispy sage, and tender ditalini, perfect for a quick yet elegant meal.
This recipe has become my go-to when I crave something comforting yet simple to make on a busy weeknight.
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.
Save My family always requests this dish for special dinners, enjoying the comforting aroma that fills the kitchen.
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.
Save This pasta shines with the simplicity of high-quality ingredients and careful technique for browning butter.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What type of pasta is best used?
Ditalini pasta works best due to its small, tubular shape, which holds the buttery sauce well.
- → How do I achieve perfectly brown butter?
Cook butter over medium heat while swirling the pan until it turns golden and emits a nutty aroma, usually about 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- → Can I substitute sage with other herbs?
Rosemary or thyme can be alternative options, but sage provides a distinct earthy, slightly peppery flavor that complements brown butter uniquely.
- → What role does the reserved pasta water play?
Adding some reserved pasta water helps create a silky, cohesive sauce by blending with the browned butter and cheese.
- → Is lemon zest necessary?
Lemon zest is optional but adds a bright, fresh citrus note that balances the richness of the butter and cheese.