This Brown Butter Pasta with Pecorino Romano, Mushrooms, and Toasted Walnuts is a quick and comforting dish, perfect for cozy nights or when you want something easy yet indulgent. The nutty richness of brown butter, the earthy flavor of mushrooms, and the toasted walnuts come together with the sharp bite of Pecorino Romano to create a deliciously savory meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 16 oz. dried pasta

• 6 tbsp salted butter

• 12 oz. mushrooms (beech, crimini, or button), chopped

• ½ cup walnut pieces, roughly chopped

• ½ cup Pecorino Romano, grated, plus more for topping

• Kosher salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing mushrooms)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Brown the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, until the butter turns golden brown and aromatic. Pour the brown butter into a bowl and set aside.

3. Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and sauté the chopped mushrooms over medium-high heat until tender and lightly browned, about 7-9 minutes.

4. Toast the Walnuts: In a separate dry pan, toast the walnut pieces over medium heat, stirring often, for about 4-5 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the heat immediately to prevent burning.

5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir in the reserved brown butter, walnuts, and grated Pecorino Romano. If the pasta looks too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

6. Serve: Serve the pasta topped with extra Pecorino Romano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 bowl

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Protein: 15g

• Fat: 25g

• Cholesterol: 65mg

• Sodium: 620mg

• Fiber: 5g

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter, or beurre noisette, is a transformative ingredient that adds a depth of flavor to any dish. The process of browning butter allows the milk solids to caramelize, which infuses the butter with a rich, nutty aroma and flavor. This brown butter is the perfect base for this pasta dish, as it provides a luscious, savory note that complements the mushrooms and walnuts beautifully.

The key to perfect brown butter is careful attention. While it’s easy to burn, when done correctly, brown butter becomes golden, aromatic, and smooth, with a depth that regular butter simply can’t provide. The result is a sauce that’s nutty and complex, giving this pasta an indulgent quality that feels both sophisticated and comforting at the same time.

Mushrooms: Earthy Flavor and Texture

Mushrooms are a staple in many savory pasta dishes due to their earthy flavor and meaty texture. In this dish, beech, crimini, or button mushrooms work wonderfully to provide that rich, umami flavor that pairs so well with brown butter. When sautéed in olive oil, the mushrooms release their moisture and cook down to a tender, golden-brown texture that’s packed with flavor. The earthy mushrooms are a perfect complement to the brown butter, as both share nutty undertones that marry together to create a hearty base for the pasta.

Mushrooms also add a nice textural contrast to the creamy, buttery sauce. Their slight chewiness is a perfect balance to the delicate pasta, creating an overall satisfying mouthfeel in every bite. For those who love mushrooms, their inclusion in this dish truly elevates it, making it feel luxurious while remaining simple.

Toasted Walnuts: Crunch and Nutty Goodness

Walnuts are the perfect finishing touch in this dish, adding a crunchy texture and a slight bitterness that complements the rich, creamy sauce. Toasting the walnuts brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor, enhancing their earthy taste. By toasting the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes, the nuts become fragrant and golden, giving the dish an added layer of warmth and flavor.

The toasted walnuts create a satisfying contrast to the tender pasta and creamy brown butter sauce. Their crunch provides a delightful texture that makes every bite more exciting, and their nutty, slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the mushrooms and Pecorino Romano.

Pecorino Romano: A Sharp, Salty Bite

Pecorino Romano is a sheep’s milk cheese that brings a sharp, salty bite to the dish. This cheese has a distinct, robust flavor that’s both creamy and tangy, making it the perfect complement to the nutty brown butter and earthy mushrooms. Grating the Pecorino Romano directly into the pasta ensures that it melts beautifully into the sauce, adding creaminess and flavor with every bite.

The addition of extra Pecorino Romano on top of the pasta just before serving gives the dish an extra layer of richness. The cheese provides a salty kick that balances out the richness of the brown butter, while its tangy flavor helps cut through the pasta’s creaminess, making each bite feel fresh and vibrant.

A Simple Yet Elegant Meal

What makes this dish so wonderful is its simplicity. While the ingredients are basic, the technique of browning the butter and toasting the walnuts elevates them, transforming a simple pasta dish into something elegant and indulgent. The combination of the toasted walnuts, mushrooms, Pecorino Romano, and brown butter makes the dish feel gourmet, but the preparation is straightforward and quick.

The pasta serves as a blank canvas that allows these ingredients to shine. The creamy, nutty brown butter sauce coats the pasta beautifully, creating a silky texture that feels luxurious without being overly heavy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day or preparing a meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress with its rich, complex flavors and easy preparation.

Nutritional Breakdown

Each serving of Brown Butter Pasta with Pecorino Romano, Mushrooms, and Toasted Walnuts provides a balanced meal with a healthy amount of fat, protein, and fiber. With 450 calories per serving, it’s satisfying without being too indulgent. The dish contains 50 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good option for a main meal, while the 15 grams of protein from the pasta, cheese, and walnuts help provide lasting energy.

The 25 grams of fat come primarily from the brown butter and walnuts, both of which add a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the dish. While it’s a higher-fat meal, the fats come from healthy sources like butter and nuts, making it a more wholesome indulgence. Additionally, the dish contains 5 grams of fiber, thanks to the mushrooms and whole wheat pasta (if used), which helps to make it more filling.

Serving Suggestions

This Brown Butter Pasta with Pecorino Romano, Mushrooms, and Toasted Walnuts is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be paired with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables to add freshness. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would complement the richness of the pasta beautifully, balancing the flavors and adding some freshness to the meal.

For those who love garlic bread, this pasta pairs wonderfully with a slice of warm, crispy bread to soak up the rich brown butter sauce. A glass of white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay, would also complement the dish nicely, enhancing the creamy flavors and creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Pasta with Pecorino Romano, Mushrooms, and Toasted Walnuts is the perfect dish for those moments when you crave something comforting and indulgent. The nutty richness of the brown butter, the earthy mushrooms, and the toasted walnuts come together in a creamy, savory sauce that’s perfectly balanced by the sharp Pecorino Romano. This simple yet elegant meal can be made in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy night in. With its complex flavors and satisfying textures, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.