Name: Browned Butter Lemon Dill Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb pasta (bucatini, rigatoni, etc.); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced; 3 tablespoons minced fresh dill; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Additional grated Parmesan for topping

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Introduction

This Browned Butter Lemon Dill Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish that combines nutty browned butter with fresh lemon and fragrant dill. It’s simple to prepare, yet impressively delicious, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

A bowl of spaghetti pasta with a light yellow color is shown, with thin slices of lemon placed on top and mixed in the pasta. The pasta is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and small green herb bits, likely dill, scattered evenly. The dish is lightly coated with black pepper, visible as small black specks over the noodles. The bowl is white and round, with a silver spoon resting on the left edge. It is set on a white marbled surface next to a yellow and white striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb pasta (bucatini, rigatoni, etc.)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
3 tablespoons minced fresh dill
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Additional grated Parmesan for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta in salted water until it is nearly al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Before draining, reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside briefly.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Swirl the pan occasionally until the butter turns a deep golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add 1 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water to the browned butter and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Then add the remaining butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the sauce. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add a few splashes of the remaining pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
Step 5: Remove the pasta from heat and stir in the minced dill. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm topped with additional Parmesan cheese and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh dill for the best flavor; if unavailable, substitute with fresh parsley or chives for a different but complementary herbal note.
Try adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and nuttiness.
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the browned butter as it cooks.
For a richer dish, stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese just before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with light yellow spaghetti noodles twisted together forms the base layer, topped with thin, round lemon slices scattered on top, showing their bright yellow rind and juicy texture. The noodles are sprinkled evenly with small green herb pieces and white grated cheese, adding light speckles across the dish. There is a light coating of seasoning that looks like ground black pepper, adding dark tiny dots throughout the pasta. The bowl is white with a pale gray rim, placed on a white marbled surface, next to a silver spoon resting in the bowl and a yellow and white striped cloth to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes like bucatini, rigatoni, penne, or even spaghetti. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well to enjoy the full flavors.

How do I know when the butter is properly browned?

Watch the butter closely as it melts and starts to foam; it will turn a golden brown color and emit a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it, as that can make the sauce bitter.