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
Scale
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.
