Brown Butter Alfredo

This Brown Butter Alfredo delivers deep, nutty flavor with just a handful of ingredients. Golden brown butter forms the base of a rich sauce, enhanced by garlic, sage, and cream. Tossed with al dente pasta and finished with Parmesan and a touch of pasta water, this simple yet indulgent dish is perfect for a cozy night in or when you need a comforting classic with a gourmet twist.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2 plates

Calories: 756 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - fusilli lunghi pasta
4 tablespoon - unsalted butter
2 cloves - garlic
4 - fresh sage leaves
1 cup - heavy cream
⅛ - Salt
⅛ - Black pepper
½ teaspoon - garlic powder
½ teaspoon - onion powder
¾ cup - Parmesan cheese
¼ cup - reserved pasta water

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.
In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and continue cooking, stirring often, until it turns golden brown and fragrant.
Add minced garlic and chopped sage. Cook for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of pasta water. Stir to coat and melt the cheese.
Let cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly.
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan.