Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken

Name: Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (rigatoni, penne, or rotini); 1-1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 2 tablespoons minced shallot; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 cup walnuts (roughly chopped); 8 fresh sage leaves (coarsely chopped); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Published: May 5, 2026

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish can be ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Combination: The nutty flavor of brown butter pairs beautifully with chicken and fresh sage, creating a comforting meal.
Versatile Ingredients: You can use any pasta you have on hand, such as rigatoni, penne, or rotini.
Nutty Crunch: Toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch that elevates the dish’s texture.
Elegant Presentation: Serve this pasta in warm bowls topped with parsley for an attractive meal that impresses guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Plastic wrap
Cutting board
Knife
Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and efficiently.
Skillet: Needed for sautéing the chicken and creating the brown butter sauce.
Plastic wrap: Helps pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Ingredients

This brown butter pasta with chicken combines tender sautéed chicken, toasted walnuts, and fresh sage in a nutty brown butter sauce that’s a cinch to make. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights or easy entertaining.

For the Pasta

8 ounces pasta (rigatoni, penne, rotini)

For the Chicken

1-1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Sauce

6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
2 tablespoons minced shallot
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Garnish

1/2 cup walnuts (roughly chopped)
8 fresh sage leaves (coarsely chopped)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Freshly ground nutmeg (optional)

How to Make Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Put a large pot of salted water on to boil for the pasta.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Slice crosswise into thin strips for quick cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sliced chicken; season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink and just cooked through, around 3 to 4 minutes. Avoid overcooking. Transfer the chicken and any pan juices to a bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Make Brown Butter

Wipe out the pan and melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add walnuts and sage; cook while swirling occasionally until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma—about 5 minutes. Watch closely as it can burn quickly.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Remove from heat; return chicken along with any accumulated juices into the skillet. Stir well to coat with browned butter; cover to keep warm.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of cooking liquid before draining.

Step 7: Toss Everything Together

Add drained pasta to the pan with chicken and brown butter sauce. Toss well, adding a splash of reserved cooking liquid if needed to loosen up the sauce.

Step 8: Serve

Divide pasta among warm bowls. Top with parsley and a light dusting of nutmeg if desired. Enjoy your delicious Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken!

How to Serve Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken

This delicious brown butter pasta with chicken is not only hearty but also versatile. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pairing with Fresh Salad

Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan for a peppery contrast.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess, balancing the richness of the pasta.

Adding Grated Cheese

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the nutty flavors of the brown butter sauce.
Pecorino Romano: For a sharper taste, try Pecorino Romano, which adds a salty kick to each bite.

Garnishing with Herbs

Chopped Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant note that brightens up the dish.
Chives: Chopped chives provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken

Achieving the perfect brown butter pasta with chicken requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success.

Bold Cooking Technique: Watch the butter closely while browning. It can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
Bold Chicken Slicing: Slice chicken into thin strips for quicker cooking and even browning.
Bold Salt Usage: Don’t be shy with salt when seasoning your pasta water; it enhances the overall flavor.
Bold Reserve Liquid: Always reserve some pasta cooking liquid before draining; it helps loosen the sauce if needed.
Bold Herb Choices: Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for different flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken

Complement your brown butter pasta with these delightful side dishes. Each option pairs wonderfully and enhances your meal experience.

Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and roasted add color and nutrients.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus offers a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil on skewers make for a refreshing starter.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and lemon vinaigrette brings brightness to your plate.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil provides a flavorful appetizer that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Overcooking the chicken: Ensure you cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat.
Burning the butter: Pay close attention while browning the butter. It should turn golden and develop a nutty aroma but can burn quickly if left unattended.
Using the wrong pasta shape: Choose a pasta shape like rigatoni or penne that holds sauce well. Thinner shapes may not work as effectively.
Ignoring seasoning: Don’t forget to season your chicken and pasta adequately. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances flavor significantly.
Skipping the reserved pasta water: This starchy water is crucial for achieving a creamy texture in your sauce. Always reserve some before draining your pasta.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken

For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag.
It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken:

How do I make brown butter?

To make brown butter, melt unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes! You can substitute walnuts with pine nuts or pecans based on your preference for a different flavor and texture.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or rotini are ideal as they hold onto the sauce well and provide great texture.

Can I add vegetables to my Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken?

Absolutely! Consider adding sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just follow storage instructions to keep it fresh throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Brown Butter Pasta with Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping nuts based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or simple entertaining!

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