Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This brown butter pasta isn't just another weeknight meal—it's a symphony of caramelized vegetables, nutty brown butter, and perfectly cooked pasta that promises to elevate your dining experience from mundane to extraordinary. Whether you're a pasta lover, a vegetable enthusiast, or simply someone who craves a deliciously satisfying meal, this recipe will become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Wash and dice the sweet potato into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Trim the ends of Brussels sprouts and halve them lengthwise, ensuring they are similar in size for even roasting.
- Spread sweet potato and Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and arrange in a single layer to promote caramelization.
- Roast vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until edges are crispy and vegetables are tender.
- While vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return pasta to the pot and add brown butter, roasted vegetables, and reserved pasta water.
- Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- Brown Butter Mastery: Watch your butter carefully when browning—it can quickly go from golden and nutty to burnt. Remove from heat the moment it turns amber and smells wonderfully nutty.
- Vegetable Roasting Secrets: For maximum caramelization, ensure your sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts are cut to similar sizes and spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Temperature Technique: Preheat your baking sheet in the oven for extra crispy vegetable edges.
- Cheese Enhancement: If using Parmesan, grate it fresh for the most vibrant flavor. A microplane works best for creating light, fluffy cheese shavings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 356kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
