Brown butter sage sauce is one of the easiest ways to elevate a bowl of pasta. As the butter gently browns, it develops a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with fragrant sage. Whether you use fresh sage leaves from the garden or dried sage from your pantry, this simple brown butter sauce comes together in about 10 minutes.
This butter sage sauce is especially delicious with ravioli, potato gnocchi, butternut squash ravioli, tagliatelle, or your favorite pasta. Finish it with freshly grated Parmesan for a restaurant quality meal that uses only a handful of ingredients.
What Is Brown Butter Sage Sauce?
Brown butter sage sauce is a classic Italian sauce made with just a few simple ingredients. As the butter cooks, the milk solids turn golden brown and develop a rich, nutty flavor. This is what gives the sauce its deep, buttery taste.
Brown butter sage sauce is especially delicious with ravioli, potato gnocchi, and butternut squash ravioli. It also tastes wonderful with tagliatelle, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, salmon, or even creamy mashed potatoes.
Gather the ingredients to prepare butter and sage sauce.
Unsalted Butter
Unsalted butter allows you to season the sauce exactly to your taste. Since butter is the star of the recipe, choose a high-quality butter if possible.
Fresh Sage vs Dried Sage
Both fresh and dried sage work in this recipe, although each produces a slightly different result.
Fresh sage leaves create the traditional version of this recipe. They become wonderfully crispy as they fry in the butter while adding an earthy, aromatic flavor.
Don’t worry if fresh sage isn’t available. Dried sage works surprisingly well. Simply use about one teaspoon of dried sage for every tablespoon of chopped fresh sage. The flavor is slightly deeper and more concentrated, but the sauce is still delicious.
Ground sage can also be used in a pinch, although it won’t provide the same fresh flavor or crispy texture.
Salt and Black Pepper
Season the sauce lightly since Parmesan cheese will also add saltiness.
Garlic (Optional)
A clove of finely minced garlic adds another layer of flavor without overpowering the sage.
How to Make Brown Butter Sage Sauce
First step – Melt and brown the butter in a pan
Add the butter to a large skillet over medium heat.
As the butter melts, stir occasionally. After a few minutes, the butter will begin to foam. Continue cooking without increasing the heat.
The foam will slowly disappear and you’ll notice tiny brown specks forming at the bottom of the skillet. These toasted milk solids give browned butter its rich flavor.
Once the butter turns golden brown and smells wonderfully nutty, it’s ready.
Second step – Add the Sage
Immediately add the fresh sage leaves.
Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sage becomes fragrant and lightly crispy.
If using dried sage, stir it in after removing the skillet from the heat to prevent scorching.
Third step – Season the Sauce
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
If using garlic, stir it into the warm butter during the final minute of cooking.
