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Brown Butter Sage Alfredo

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Brown Butter Sage Alfredo is the answer. Rich, velvety, and infused with nutty brown butter and crisped sage leaves, it’s an elevated twist on the classic Alfredo. Unlike the jarred versions, this sauce is made entirely from scratch, using just a few quality ingredients—think heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, and butter—that come together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or when you’re simply craving something indulgent and comforting.

Why This Brown Butter Sage Alfredo is a Game- Changer

Unlike traditional Alfredo sauces that rely solely on cream and Parmesan, this recipe elevates the classic with rich, nutty brown butter and crispy sage leaves, adding a warm, aromatic twist that feels cozy, indulgent, and perfect for fall or winter. The browned butter brings a deep, toasty flavor that balances the creamy base, while the sage infuses every bite with earthy, herbaceous notes. It’s a restaurant-quality Alfredo sauce made with just a few simple ingredients—and it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ideal for pairing with fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pillowy gnocchi, this sauce clings beautifully to pasta and can be topped with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or served as a vegetarian main. It’s a comfort food favorite with gourmet flair, perfect for date night, cozy dinners, or impressing guests without stress.

Whether you’re craving something rich and satisfying or want to wow your dinner crowd with a new spin on Alfredo, this recipe brings a luxurious, fall-forward flavor that’s hard to forget.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

Storing:
Let the Alfredo pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of milk or cream while warming to loosen the sauce and bring back its silky texture—brown butter sauces can thicken up in the fridge.

Freezing:
This sauce is best enjoyed fresh due to the heavy cream and cheese, which can separate when frozen. If you must freeze it, do so without the pasta and reheat gently while whisking to bring it back together.

Leftover Ideas:
    •    Use as a sauce for baked chicken or roasted veggies.
    •    Toss with cooked gnocchi and bake with mozzarella for a cozy pasta bake.
    •    Serve over mashed potatoes or cauliflower for a quick, luxurious lunch.

Brown Butter Sage Alfredo

Recipe by TiaCourse: Main
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

730

kcal
Total time

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoon of unsalted butter (1 stick)

  • 10-12 fresh sage leaves

  • 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt & cracked pepper to taste

  • Pinch of nutmeg

  • Cooked pasta

Directions

  • Brown the Butter
  • In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat
  • Add sage leaves and let the butter cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3-5 mins) Sage should crisp up- don’t burn it
  • Remove sage leaves and set aside for garnish or crumble back in later
  • Add Garlic
  • Toss in minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds, just until fragrant
  • Pour In Heavy Cream
  • Slowly whisk in the cream and lower the heat
  • Simmer for 4-5 minutes stirring occasionally to thicken slightly
  • Add Parmesan
  • Stir in cheese a little at a time, whisking until smooth
  • season with salt and pepper with a touch of nutmeg
  • Toss with pasta
  • Add cooked pasta straight from boiling water. If needed add some pasta water in the sauce little by little to loosen up sauce

Notes

  • Butter Browning Tip: Keep a close eye on the butter- once it starts foaming and smells nutty it’s almost there. Remove from heat if it starts to darken too quickly
  • Crispy Sage Hack: For extra texture, fry a few extra sage leaves in the butter and crumble them over the finished dish
  • Nutmeg Magic: Just a tiny pinch bring warmth and depth
  • Pasta Water: Save about 1/2 cup of pasta water- it helps the sauce cling beautifully if it gets too thick
  • Fresh is better!: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a silkier finish than pre shredded

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