Brown Butter Sage Ditalini

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.