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Spicy Brown Butter Pasta with Parmesan and Sage Recipe

Spicy Brown Butter Pasta with Parmesan and Sage Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

This Spicy Brown Butter Pasta with Parmesan and Sage is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines nutty brown butter, aromatic sage, a hint of spicy red pepper flakes, and plenty of sharp Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this pasta recipe elevates simple ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces medium shell pasta

Browning Sauce

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 garlic cloves, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 15 fresh sage leaves
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • Lots of Parmesan cheese, finely grated, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium shell pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Brown the Butter and Crisp Sage: While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Stir continuously as it melts and begins to bubble. After about 2 minutes, look for brown bits forming on the bottom of the pan which indicate the butter is browning. Immediately stir in the fresh sage leaves and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sage becomes crispy. You can choose to remove the sage leaves for garnish or leave them in the butter.
  3. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the browned butter. Cook for about 30 seconds, making sure the garlic is fragrant but not browned or burnt.
  4. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the brown butter sauce. Turn off the heat to prevent burning. Mix in a few tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese and toss again.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve the pasta topped with generous amounts of Parmesan cheese and optional crispy sage leaves for garnish. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Be careful to brown the butter over medium-low heat to avoid burning it, which will make the sauce bitter.
  • Fresh sage leaves add an amazing aroma and texture when crisped in brown butter, but you can adjust the amount according to your preference.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
  • This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter pasta, spicy pasta, sage pasta, Parmesan pasta, Italian pasta recipe, quick pasta dish, easy dinner

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/spicy-brown-butter-pasta-with-parmesan-and-sage-recipe/