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Home » Recipes » Pasta Recipes

February 13, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Tortellini with Brown Butter, Garlic & Basil

30 Minutes or Less· Kid Friendly Meals· Meatless Recipes· Pasta Recipes· Side Dish Recipes

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Brown butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor to many dishes like this simple recipe with cheese tortellini, garlic and basil.
Tortellini with Brown Butter
Brown butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor to many dishes like this simple recipe with cheese tortellini, garlic and basil.

Brown butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor to many dishes like this simple tortellini dish with garlic and basil; which can be used as a main entree or side dish.

A bowl of food on a table, with Tortellini and Garlic

 

If you're looking for a really flavorful, quick side dish this Tortellini with Brown Butter, Garlic & Basil is it! Brown butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor to many dishes like pasta, vegetables and one of my favorites...home popped popcorn! 

If you've never tried making brown butter before, here is how you do it. The entire process only takes a few minutes.

Four images on how to make brown butter.

Four images on how to make brown butter.

How do you make Brown butter?

  • Step 1: Melt butter in a pot over medium-high heat. (I find it works better with stainless steel vs. nonstick.)
  • Step 2: Watch the butter carefully and swirl it around several times in the pan while it's melting.
  • Step 3: Allow the butter to foam up and turn a light brown color; then remove from heat.
  • Step 4: The butter should be an amber, light brown color and should have a nutty smell.

Tortellini with Brown Butter, Garlic & Basil

Once you have your brown butter technique mastered, it's time to add some other fresh ingredients. I could eat an entire bowl of this tortellini with fresh garlic, basil and grated Pecorino Romano cheese; which is why I generally only serve it as a side dish to go with our main entree.

It's one of our favorites and you can also use regular pasta, ravioli, or gnocchi as well. Young kids love this too so it makes a wonderful treat for lunch or dinner. ~Enjoy!

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Tortellini with Brown Butter, Garlic & Basil

Tortellini with Brown Butter, Garlic & Basil

Carrie's Experimental Kitchen
Brown butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor to many dishes like this simple tortellini dish with garlic and basil; which can be used as a main entree or side dish. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Entree
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds cheese tortellini
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons grated pecorino romano cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain water. (Cooking times may vary depending on whether you are using fresh or frozen tortellini.)
  • While the tortellini is cooking, prepare the brown butter. (Use a larger pot so that you can add the tortellini to it after it finishes cooking). The entire process should take approximately 2-3 minutes.
    Four images on how to make brown butter.
  • Once the butter has been removed from the heat, add the garlic and basil and stir for 1 minute.
  • Finally, add the cooked tortellini and freshly grated cheese; mix well.
Keyword pasta
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Tortellini with Brown Butter
 
 

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Brown butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor to many dishes like this simple recipe with cheese tortellini, garlic and basil.

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