Get ready to fall head over heels with this delightful meal, the *One-Pan Brown Butter and Sage Pasta*! It’s the ultimate blend of nutty brown butter, aromatic sage, tender mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, all coming together in a single pan. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home, this dish delivers gourmet flavors without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Elegance: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish delivers complex flavors that taste like a restaurant standard.
- Quick and Easy: Preparing a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes makes it ideal for any night of the week.
- Minimal Cleanup: The one-pan method not only enhances the flavor but also makes cleaning up a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious *One-Pan Brown Butter and Sage Pasta*, gather these accessible ingredients. Each one plays a fundamental role, from enhancing the savory warmth to adding fresh, zesty twists.
- Barilla® Pronto Pasta: Cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all that flavorful goodness without any pre-boiling fuss.
- Butter and Olive Oil: This duo creates the rich brown butter base, enhancing both flavor and aroma.
- Fresh Sage: Adds a woody, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the butter.
- White Button Mushrooms: Their meaty texture makes them a perfect match for the other ingredients.
- Fresh Spinach: Provides a pop of color and nutrients, rounding out the dish beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a citrusy finish that balances the richness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic: Gives a savory depth that uplifts the dish.
Variations
Feel free to customize this *One-Pan Brown Butter and Sage Pasta* to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s a versatile dish that can easily adapt to what’s available in your pantry.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles to make it low-carb and veggie-focused.
- Protein Boost: Add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more filling, protein-rich meal.
- Lactose-Free: Use vegan butter and skip the cheese to make it friendly for those avoiding lactose.
How to Make One-Pan Brown Butter and Sage Pasta
Step 1: Begin with Browning
In your trusty large cast iron pan, melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Keep an eye on the butter as it starts to foam; lower the heat and let it turn a beautiful golden brown. This takes about 5-6 minutes, filling your kitchen with a nutty aroma that’s simply irresistible. Just be cautious not to let it burn.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Add the chopped garlic, sage leaves, and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Let the mushrooms sweat down, releasing their moisture and depth of flavor. Once tender, toss in the spinach and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until it’s wilted. Season with a pinch of salt, a touch of red pepper flakes, and fresh lemon juice to balance the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Remove the mushroom and spinach mixture, setting it aside on a plate. In the same pan, add the Barilla® Pronto Pasta along with 3 cups of water and a generous pinch of salt. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally until the pasta absorbs the water and is perfectly al dente. This one-pan method means the pasta soaks up all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the sauteed mushrooms and spinach back into the pan with the cooked pasta. Add the reserved brown butter sauce and gently toss everything together to coat the penne in that sumptuous, flavorful mixture. Serve it hot, with freshly grated cheese sprinkled on top for that final touch.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Brown Butter and Sage Pasta
- Butter Mastery: To achieve perfect brown butter, listen for the crackling sound to fade—it indicates that most of the moisture is evaporated, and the milk solids are caramelizing.
- Fresh Sage Selection: Choose leaves that are bright green and fragrant for the best flavor impact, as older sage may taste slightly bitter.
- Pasta Perfection: Start heating your pan on medium and keep stirring the pasta frequently for even water absorption and to prevent sticking.
How to Serve One-Pan Brown Butter and Sage Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh grated cheese such as Parmesan, along with a pinch more red pepper flakes, adds a lovely finishing touch to this pasta. A few extra sage leaves on top can enhance the presentation as well as the aroma.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp, light side salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, earthy flavors of the dish. Consider a simple vinaigrette over mixed greens.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in a shallow bowl to highlight the creamy sauce. Garnish artfully with the reserved ingredients for an Instagram-worthy presentation. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a dramatic visual contrast and a touch of sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure it is fully cooled before sealing to prevent condensation from making it soggy.
Freezing
To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra butter to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
-
Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried sage if fresh isn’t available, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more potent. Start with a small pinch and adjust to taste.
-
What type of cheese works best with this dish?
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese complements the flavors beautifully, adding a nutty note that enhances the overall dish.
-
How can I make the dish spicier?
For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the brown butter while it’s cooking.
-
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works well, feel free to use any short pasta that can hold the sauce, such as fusilli or farfalle.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this *One-Pan Brown Butter and Sage Pasta*. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or guests, this dish offers comforting flavors wrapped in an easy-to-follow recipe. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share the joy it brings to your table!
Print
One-Pan Brown Butter and Sage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A flavorful and quick one-pan pasta dish featuring rich brown butter and crispy sage, combined with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights. The use of Pronto Pasta makes it convenient, and the fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy finish.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 1 box Barilla® Pronto Pasta (Penne)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 sprigs fresh sage
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Fresh grated cheese (such as Parmesan) for serving
Instructions
- Melt butter and oil: In a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet, combine the butter and olive oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, about 5-6 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.
- Cook aromatics and mushrooms: Add garlic, sage, and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté until the mushrooms sweat down and become tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the sage sprigs if desired.
- Add spinach and season: Toss the spinach into the skillet and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until completely wilted. Season with salt, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice for brightness.
- Cook pasta: Transfer the mushroom and spinach mixture to a serving plate. In the same skillet, add the Pronto Pasta along with 3 cups of water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook according to package directions, about 10 minutes, until the water is absorbed and pasta is al dente.
- Combine and serve: Return the sautéed mushrooms and spinach along with any accumulated juices to the skillet with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the brown butter sauce. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated cheese and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Using fresh sage adds a fragrant herbal note; dried sage can be used as a substitute, but reduce the amount.
- Pronto Pasta is designed for quick cooking and absorbs flavors well; adjust cooking water and time if using different pasta types.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and omit cheese.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens the dish and balances the richness.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or zucchini for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
