Pasta Agnolotti with Sage Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate agnolotti pasta tossed in fragrant sage-infused butter and garnished with crunchy toasted pine nuts for a classic Italian treat. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs fresh agnolotti pasta, unsalted butter, leaves fresh sage leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp salt. Gently drop in 12 oz fresh agnolotti pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 12 fresh sage leaves and cook for 3 minutes until the butter foams and sage leaves become crispy and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup pine nuts to the skillet and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained agnolotti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Gently toss to coat the pasta in the sage butter sauce, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, season with freshly ground black pepper to taste, and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately garnished with crispy sage leaves and pine nuts.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pasta Agnolotti with Sage Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pasta Agnolotti with Sage Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh agnolotti pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pasta Agnolotti with Sage Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pasta Agnolotti with Sage Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pasta Agnolotti with Sage Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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