Sake-Infused Tagliatelle with Brown Butter and Sage
A silky pasta dish where a touch of sake elevates traditional brown butter and sage, creating a restaurant-quality meal with authentic Japanese-inspired technique. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes pairs fresh egg tagliatelle, unsalted butter, sake for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh egg tagliatelle
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sake
- 10 large fresh sage leaves
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water (1 tbsp salt per 4 quarts) to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fresh egg tagliatelle and cook for 2 minutes less than package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until golden-brown and nutty, swirling the pan for 3-4 minutes until it smells toasted.
- Step 3: Add 1/4 cup sake to the butter, stirring constantly until evaporated (about 60 seconds), then add 10 large fresh sage leaves, cooking for 30 seconds until crisp but not dark.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta to skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until sauce clings to strands.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper until cheese melts into a glossy coating, adding more reserved pasta water if too dry.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sake-Infused Tagliatelle with Brown Butter and Sage take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Sake-Infused Tagliatelle with Brown Butter and Sage?
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 egg tagliatelle from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sake-Infused Tagliatelle with Brown Butter and Sage?
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 Sake-Infused Tagliatelle with Brown Butter and Sage 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 Sake-Infused Tagliatelle with Brown Butter and Sage?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
