Imagine a plate of pasta so luxuriously simple yet incredibly elegant that it transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy with just one bite. This Butter and Sage Sauce Pasta is not just a recipe; it's a culinary magic trick that transforms just a few humble ingredients into a symphony of flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Get ready to discover a dish so rich, so comforting, and so surprisingly easy that it'll become your new go-to recipe for impressive yet effortless dining.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g pasta
- 100g unsalted butter
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. This will enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add 400g of pasta to the pot. Stir gently to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the butter and sage sauce. In a medium-sized skillet, melt 100g of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt slowly, watching for it to begin to foam.
- As the butter melts, add 10 fresh sage leaves to the skillet. Cook the sage leaves in the butter for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become crispy and the butter turns a light golden brown. Be careful not to burn the butter; reduce the heat if necessary.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the butter and sage sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere.
- Season the pasta with salt to taste, mixing well to ensure even distribution of flavor. If desired, you can add more butter for a richer taste.
- Once well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Butter and Sage Sauce!
Tips
- Use high-quality, fresh butter for the most authentic and rich flavor. The quality of butter makes a significant difference in this minimalist dish.
- Be patient when browning the butter and sage - the key is to achieve a golden brown color without burning. The nutty aroma is your signal that you've hit the sweet spot.
- Reserve your pasta water before draining! This starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
- Use fresh sage leaves if possible. They provide a more vibrant, aromatic flavor compared to dried sage.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh - pre-grated cheese lacks the depth of flavor and can be quite dry.
- Serve immediately after cooking. This dish is best enjoyed hot, right from the skillet to the plate, when the butter is still glossy and the sage leaves are crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 75mg
