This pasta dish is a lovely mix of nutty browned butter, zesty lemon, and fresh dill. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, making it perfect for any dinner!
Honestly, the smell while cooking is heavenly! I like to top it with some grated cheese, but you can enjoy it just as it is—light, fresh, and super tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti is the classic choice here, but bucatini works wonderfully too. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a fresh twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter. Both give good flavor, but the coconut oil will add a slight sweetness.
Lemon: Fresh lemons are the best for zesting and juicing, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. For added depth, try using Meyer lemons, which are sweeter and less acidic.
Dill: Fresh dill adds a bright taste that goes great with lemon. If you can’t find it, substitute with fresh parsley or even basil for a different but tasty herb profile.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor. For a full flavor profile, a mix of nutritional yeast and miso can work well.
How Do I Perfectly Brown Butter Without Burnt Flavors?
Getting browned butter just right can be tricky, but with some care, you can do it! The key is to focus on the heat and timing.
- Start with medium heat to give you control. Too high can lead to burned butter.
- Keep an eye on the butter as it melts, swirling occasionally. This helps circulate the heat and prevent hot spots.
- Look for a deep golden brown color and a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes, but don’t walk away!
- If it starts smelling too strong or looks too dark, it might be burned. Just start again if that happens.
How to Make Browned Butter Lemon Dill Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or bucatini pasta
For the Sauce:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for extra garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 10 minutes to cook, totaling roughly 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add in your spaghetti or bucatini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, be sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, which will help create a nice sauce later. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Butter:
While your pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, keep cooking it, swirling the pan occasionally. You want the butter to turn a deep golden brown color and start smelling nutty—this should take around 4-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
3. Add Garlic:
When your butter is perfectly browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Make sure not to let the garlic burn!
4. Combine Lemon Flavor:
Next, turn off the heat and stir in the lemon zest and the fresh lemon juice. The combination of butter and lemon will create a vibrant flavor.
5. Toss Pasta:
Now it’s time to add your cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it well with the browned butter and lemon mixture, ensuring every strand is coated. If you find the sauce is a bit thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Add Cheese and Dill:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped dill. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. Don’t forget to season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste!
7. Serve & Garnish:
Serve the pasta right away on plates or a large serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh dill sprigs, and if you’d like, some chopped fresh parsley for an extra pop of color.
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Dive into this delicious pasta dish while it’s warm! If you love cheese, feel free to add extra Parmesan on the side!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and will add more fiber to the dish. Just keep in mind it may need a minute or two longer to cook—be sure to check for al dente doneness.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the browned butter and garlic mixture ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge after it cools. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently in a skillet before adding the cooked pasta and other ingredients.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to keep it saucy.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill?
If fresh dill isn’t available, you can use dried dill instead—just use about 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley or basil can provide a different but delicious flavor profile!
