Brown Butter Alfredo Sauce with Fusilli Lunghi Pasta is a delectable dish that combines the nutty richness of brown butter with the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional Alfredo sauce.
This recipe will guide you through the process of creating a sumptuous pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a comforting meal at home, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb. fusilli lunghi pasta
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by cooking the fusilli lunghi pasta in a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then add the pasta. Cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Al dente means the pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Butter:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to cook until it bubbles and turns a golden brown color. Be careful not to let it burn; the butter should have a nutty aroma and a deep golden hue.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the browned butter. Sauté the garlic for about a minute or until it becomes fragrant. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning, as burnt garlic can add a bitter taste to your sauce.
- Add the Cream:
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the browned butter and garlic. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cheese:
- Gradually add 1 cup of the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as the parmesan cheese is already quite salty.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked fusilli lunghi pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thin, you can add the remaining 0.5 cup of parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Once the pasta is well-coated in the sauce, transfer it to serving plates. Garnish with extra grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. The fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbal note that complements the richness of the sauce.
- Enjoy:
- Serve your Brown Butter Alfredo Sauce with Fusilli Lunghi Pasta immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side.
Tips for Success:
- Brown Butter Perfection: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns. It can go from perfect to burnt very quickly. Swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Garlic Watch: Garlic can burn easily, so once it’s added to the butter, keep stirring and watch it closely.
- Cheese Quality: Use good quality parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Freshly grated parmesan melts better and has a more pronounced flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Pasta Cooking: Ensure your pasta is cooked to al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little pasta water reserved from cooking the pasta. If it’s too thin, additional cheese or a bit more cooking time can help thicken it up.
This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate a simple pasta dish into something extraordinary.
The brown butter adds a depth of flavor that makes this Alfredo sauce stand out, while the fusilli lunghi provides a fun and elegant twist on traditional pasta shapes.
Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious creation!