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 a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something comforting but special without spending hours cooking.
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 to 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 This recipe always brings my family together around the table for a cozy meal filled with laughter and stories.
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 Try this simple yet flavorful dish tonight for a satisfying Italian classic that never disappoints.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you brown butter without burning it?
Keep the butter on medium heat and swirl the pan constantly. Watch for a golden brown color and nutty aroma, then remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- → What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Small tubular pasta like ditalini is ideal as it captures the brown butter sauce well, enhancing each bite.
- → Can fresh or dried sage be used?
Fresh sage leaves crisp up nicely in browned butter, providing a delicate texture and flavor that dried sage cannot replicate.
- → How does lemon zest affect the flavor?
Lemon zest adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the brown butter and the earthiness of the sage.
- → Is Parmesan cheese essential for this dish?
Parmesan contributes a salty, creamy depth to the pasta but can be substituted with Pecorino or omitted if desired.