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Quick Brown Butter Sage Pasta Recipe with Toasted Walnuts and Parmesan

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A quick and easy weeknight pasta featuring nutty browned butter, crispy whole sage leaves, toasted walnuts, and freshly grated Parmesan. Ready in under 20 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (fettuccine, tagliatelle, or spaghetti)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 12 fresh whole sage leaves
  • 1/3 cup (35 grams) toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup (35 grams) walnuts and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns a warm golden brown and smells nutty (about 4–5 minutes). Add 12 whole sage leaves and fry gently until crisp (about 1–2 minutes). Be careful not to burn the butter or sage.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with browned butter and sage. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Remove from heat and sprinkle toasted walnuts and ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss lightly to combine. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and crispy sage leaves if desired.

Notes

Keep a close eye on the butter while browning to avoid burning. Swirl the pan gently and use medium heat. Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Whole sage leaves crisp better than chopped. Toast walnuts separately to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter pasta, sage pasta, toasted walnuts, Parmesan pasta, quick pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, easy pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/quick-brown-butter-sage-pasta-recipe-with-toasted-walnuts-and-parmesan-perfect-for-weeknight-dinner/