Imagine a pasta dish so luxurious and simple that it transforms your ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. This Summer Brown Butter Pasta is not just a meal, it's a culinary journey that combines the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with fresh basil and perfectly cooked pasta. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests incredibly impressed.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped), salt, pepper, and cherry tomatoes (if using).
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the brown butter. In a medium-sized skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it melts.
- Continue cooking the butter, stirring frequently, until it begins to foam and turns a golden brown color. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn; you want a nutty aroma.
- Once the butter is browned, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. If you are using cherry tomatoes, add them to the skillet now to warm them slightly in the residual heat.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the brown butter. Toss the pasta in the butter until well coated. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing everything until well combined.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your Summer Brown Butter Pasta!
Tips
- Use a light-colored skillet when browning butter so you can accurately see the color change from yellow to golden brown.
- Stir the butter constantly to prevent burning and ensure an even, nutty brown color.
- Remove the skillet from heat immediately once the butter turns golden to stop the cooking process.
- Save some pasta water before draining - its starchy consistency helps create a silky sauce.
- Use fresh basil for the most vibrant flavor, and don't be afraid to add extra for garnish.
- Choose a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the brown butter before adding pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 719kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 17g
Fat: 52g
Saturated Fat: 32g
Cholesterol: 130mg
