Brown Butter Garlic Angel Hair

The unique combination of brown butter, garlic, and cherry tomatoes in Brown Butter Garlic Angel Hair Pasta creates a delightful and elegant dish. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, celebrating the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter, the aromatic intensity of garlic, and the vibrant freshness of cherry tomatoes. Topped with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is a true celebration of flavors and textures, making it a standout choice for both casual weeknight dinners and more refined gatherings.

The foundation of this dish is angel hair pasta, known for its delicate texture and quick cooking time. Angel hair, or capellini, is a skinny pasta that cooks in just a few minutes. It is an excellent choice for meals that must come together quickly without sacrificing quality or taste. The pasta is perfect for the brown butter sauce, allowing every strand to be evenly coated with flavorful ingredients.

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the brown butter. By melting unsalted butter over medium heat and allowing it to cook until it turns a deep golden brown, you unlock a complex, nutty aroma that is rich and comforting. Brown butter, or beurre noisette as it’s known in French cuisine, adds an unparalleled depth of flavor. The key to perfect brown butter is to watch it closely as it cooks, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. When ready, the butter should have a toasty, nutty fragrance and a golden hue.

Garlic is added to the browned butter, infusing it with its pungent, savory essence. Combining brown butter and garlic creates an intensely aromatic, rustic, and luxurious base. Cherry tomatoes are then introduced to the skillet, adding a burst of color and a fresh, juicy component that balances the richness of the butter and garlic. The tomatoes soften and release their juices as they cook, creating a light, flavorful contribution to the sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Fresh basil provides a fragrant herbal note that enhances the dish. Used as a garnish, the basil’s bright, slightly peppery flavor complements the sweet acidity of the tomatoes and the rich, nutty butter. Grated Parmesan cheese is also used as a garnish, adding a salty, umami depth to combine all the flavors. When sprinkled on top, the cheese melts slightly from the heat of the pasta, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.

Seasoned with salt and ground black pepper, the dish is finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, enhancing its richness and adding a silky mouthfeel. The final touch of garnishing with fresh parsley and more grated Parmesan adds to the flavor and creates a visually appealing presentation.

Brown Butter Garlic Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a dish that highlights how simple ingredients, when treated with care and combined thoughtfully, can create a comforting and exquisite dish. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a quiet night with a delectable homemade meal, this pasta dish will surely satisfy and delight you.

Brown Butter Garlic Angel Hair

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Brown Butter Garlic Angel Hair Pasta is a simple yet sophisticated dish featuring delicate angel hair pasta tossed in rich, nutty brown butter and garlic. The fresh, juicy flavors of cherry tomatoes complement the dish, which is garnished with fragrant basil and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces angel hair pasta

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 6 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/4 cup basil, freshly chopped

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Cook the Pasta:
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta and set aside.
• Brown the Butter:
  In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and then continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.
• Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes:
  Add the minced garlic to the browned butter and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, 3-4 minutes.
• Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the brown butter, garlic, and tomatoes. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
• Season and Serve:
  Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and toss again to combine.
• Garnish and Enjoy:
  Serve the pasta immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped basil.

Notes

• Browning the Butter: Watch the butter closely as it browns to prevent it from burning. It should turn a deep golden color and have a nutty aroma.
• Tomatoes: To add extra flavor, roast the cherry tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the skillet.