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Home » Recipes » Pasta Recipes

November 13, 2023 · Leave a Comment

Cavatelli with Brown Butter, Walnuts and Sage

30 Minutes or Less· Italian· Pasta Recipes

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cooked cavatelli pasta in a skillet with walnuts and sage
collage photo of cavatelli with brown butter

Cavatelli pasta tossed with nutty brown butter, chopped walnuts and fresh sage; then topped with shaved Pecorino Romano cheese. 

cavatelli in a skillet

Sage-scented, buttery, and full of flavor, cavatelli with brown butter and walnuts is the ultimate Italian comfort food. With its rich, nutty sauce and nutty crunch, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite for any pasta lover.

This pasta recipe is super easy to make and can be ready in 30 minutes for a quick, weeknight meal. 

What is Cavatelli?

Cavatelli are small pasta shells that resemble miniature hot dog buns. They're also unique in that they don't contain any eggs like other pasta recipes.

Suggested Equipment

  • Pot
  • Colander
  • Stainless Steel Skillet 
  • Pasta Serving Dish

a close up of cavatelli in a skillet

Ingredients Needed

Cavatelli: You can use fresh or frozen in this recipe. 

Chopped Walnuts

Butter

Chopped Fresh Sage

Shaved Pecorino Romano Cheese: Grated cheese will also work well. 

Kosher Salt

Black Pepper

cavatelli in a skillet with walnuts and sage

Cook the Cavatelli

How long to cook the cavatelli will depend on if you're using fresh or frozen. For both, bring a large pot of water sprinkled with salt to a rolling bowl; then add the cavatelli. 

If using fresh cavatelli, cook for 2-3 minutes; frozen will take 5-7 minutes; then cook until the pasta floats to the top.

Taste to make sure they are done. Then drain the water keeping ½ cup of the pasta water as a reserve. 

Four images on how to make brown butter.

Brown the Butter

Browning butter adds a sweet, nutty flavor to any recipe. Start by melting the butter in a large skillet medium-high heat. I find it works better with stainless steel vs. nonstick.

Watch the butter carefully and swirl it around several times in the pan while it's melting. Allow the butter to foam up and turn a light brown color. The butter should be an amber, light brown color and should have a nutty smell.

Remove the pan from heat and add the fresh sage and walnuts. Stir and set aside until you're ready to add the cavatelli. 

cavatelli in a skillet with sage and walnuts

Assemble the Recipe

Add the cooked cavatelli to the skillet, tossing to coat. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to make it a little saucier.

Season with salt and pepper, place in a pasta bowl; then add the shaved cheese on top. 

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this cavatelli alone or add some protein like grilled shrimp or chicken. Add a salad like a bread panzanella or Arugula and dinner is served!

VISIT THE RECIPE INDEX TO SEARCH FOR MORE RECIPES BY CATEGORY.

cooked cavatelli pasta in a skillet with walnuts and sage

More Pasta Recipes

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a close up of cavatelli in a skillet

Cavatelli with Brown Butter, Walnuts and Sage

Carrie's Experimental Kitchen
Cavatelli pasta tossed with nutty brown butter, chopped walnuts and fresh sage; then topped with shaved Pecorino Romano cheese. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Stainless Steel Skillet
  • Pasta Serving Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 24 ounces cavatelli
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh sage (approx. 15 leaves)
  • ¼ cup shaved pecorino romano cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • How long to cook the cavatelli will depend on if you're using fresh or frozen. For both, bring a large pot of water sprinkled with salt to a rolling bowl; then add the cavatelli.
  • If using fresh cavatelli, cook for 2-3 minutes; frozen will take 5-7 minutes; then cook until the pasta floats to the top. Taste to make sure they are done. Then drain the water keeping ½ cup of the pasta water as a reserve.
  • Add the butter to a stainless steel skillet; then melt over medium-high heat. Watch the butter carefully and swirl it around several times in the pan while it's melting. Allow the butter to foam up and turn a light brown color. The butter should be an amber, light brown color and should have a nutty smell.
  • Remove the pan from heat and add the fresh sage and walnuts. Stir and set aside until you're ready to add the cavatelli.
  • Add the cooked cavatelli to the skillet, tossing to coat. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to make it a little saucier. Season with salt and pepper, place in a pasta bowl; then add the shaved cheese on top.

Notes

Please read the entire post for additional instructions and/or substitutions. 

Nutrition

Serving: 6ouncesCalories: 903kcalCarbohydrates: 129gProtein: 27gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 366mgPotassium: 459mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 554IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 128mgIron: 3mg
Keyword cavatelli, pasta
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