If you’re craving a simple yet utterly delicious dish to brighten up any dinner, this Sage Butter Pasta with Mushrooms Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender pasta coated in a luxuriously fragrant sage-infused butter sauce and earthy mushrooms adding depth and texture, every bite feels like a warm, comforting hug. It’s easy to make but packed with flavor, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to the magic of this dish. Each one adds its own unique note—from the aromatic sage to the creamy butter and the hearty mushrooms—creating a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color on your plate.
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine): A flat noodle works best to catch all that buttery sauce and mushroom goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps cook mushrooms evenly and adds a light fruity undertone.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star that carries the rich, silky sage flavor throughout the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a subtle punch of warmth without overpowering the sage.
- 10 fresh sage leaves (chopped or whole): The herb that gives the dish its unforgettable aromatic identity.
- 10 ounces cremini or button mushrooms (sliced): Earthy and tender, these mushrooms soak up the buttery sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little heat to balance the richness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water: The secret weapon to make the sauce silky and help it cling to the noodles.
- Chopped parsley or more sage for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and an extra herbal note.
How to Make Sage Butter Pasta with Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin with cooking your pasta in well-salted boiling water until it’s perfectly al dente. This means it should be tender but still with a little bite to it. Don’t forget to reserve 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—this is a game-changer for your sauce texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and let them cook undisturbed for a bit before stirring, encouraging them to brown beautifully. After about 6 to 8 minutes, they will become tender and flavorful—a perfect base for the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Sage
Next, toss in your minced garlic and fresh sage leaves. Let these cook for 1 to 2 minutes until their fragrant aroma fills your kitchen. This step infuses the butter with herbaceous notes that elevate the dish from simple to sensational.
Step 4: Melt in the Remaining Butter
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt and mingle with the sage and mushrooms, creating a silky, aromatic sauce that’s ready to envelop the pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan. Toss everything together until the noodles are luxuriously coated in the sage butter sauce. Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
How to Serve Sage Butter Pasta with Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sage leaves bring brightness and a little visual contrast to the dish. These finishings add a fresh herbal touch and contrast beautifully with the rich butter sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or lightly roasted vegetables. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil can cut through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate and top with a small pat of sage butter or fried sage leaves for a crispy texture contrast. Serve in rustic bowls to highlight the homey, comforting vibe of this Sage Butter Pasta with Mushrooms Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken when chilled, but a little reheating with added liquid helps to restore its creaminess.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for this pasta because the texture of the mushrooms and sauce can change. If you must freeze, store in a tightly sealed container for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring back the saucy texture. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can make the pasta dry or unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Fresh sage provides the best flavor for this dish, but if you only have dried sage, add it sparingly—a little goes a long way to avoid bitterness.
What type of mushrooms works best?
Cremini or button mushrooms are perfect here because they hold their texture well and have a mild, earthy flavor that complements the sage butter perfectly.
Is this recipe vegetarian and gluten-free?
This Sage Butter Pasta with Mushrooms Recipe is vegetarian, but to make it gluten-free, simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu make excellent additions if you want to boost the protein content.
What’s the best way to get a deep butter flavor?
Try browning the butter lightly until it turns golden and nutty before adding the sage; this creates a richer, more complex flavor known as brown butter.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Sage Butter Pasta with Mushrooms Recipe a try because it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort but maximum flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels like an upgrade to everyday pasta and quickly becomes a favorite to make again and again. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Sage Butter Pasta with Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savor the rich and comforting flavors of Sage Butter Pasta with Mushrooms, a simple yet elegant Italian-inspired dish that combines tender pasta with a fragrant sage-infused butter sauce and earthy sautéed mushrooms. Perfect for a satisfying vegetarian main course, this recipe brings a delightful balance of savory, herbal, and cheesy notes that come together effortlessly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
Sauce & Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 10 fresh sage leaves (chopped or whole)
- 10 ounces cremini or button mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Chopped parsley or more sage for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until shimmering. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and tender.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped or whole sage leaves. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the sage has infused the oil and butter.
- Create Sage Butter Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt, creating a silky, aromatic sage butter sauce that coats the mushrooms beautifully.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously to combine so the sauce clings to each strand of pasta.
- Season and Serve: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or additional sage leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a deeper, nuttier flavor, try using brown butter instead of regular melted butter.
- Add sautéed spinach, peas, or grilled chicken to make the dish more hearty and filling.
- This pasta is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce smooth.
