There’s a reason Jennifer Garner’s 5-ingredient pasta has become a fan favorite! This incredibly simple yet indulgent dish combines the rich flavors of butter, fresh sage, zesty lemon, and Parmesan cheese, creating a balanced and mouthwatering sauce that coats every strand of linguine perfectly. Ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is proof that sometimes, the best dishes are the simplest. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this easy pasta is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1⁄2 pound linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 12 fresh sage leaves
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 3⁄4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (or more to taste)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the linguine according to the package instructions, making sure to achieve al dente texture. Once done, reserve 1/2 to 1 cup of the pasta water (this will help to make your sauce creamy). Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Prepare the Brown Butter Sauce: In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the fresh sage leaves. Continue cooking for about 5–7 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’ll know the butter is ready when it turns golden brown and begins to develop a delicious nutty aroma while the sage leaves crisp up slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- Toss the Pasta: Pour the brown butter and sage sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot. Toss everything together, ensuring the linguine is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring over medium heat until the sauce lightly clings to the noodles and most of the water has been absorbed. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano into the pasta, stirring until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated cheese if desired. Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of Jennifer Garner’s 5-ingredient pasta!
This easy-to-make pasta is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for comfort food with minimal effort. Plus, it’s highly customizable—feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or extra lemon zest for an added burst of freshness. Whether you’re serving it as a quick meal for yourself or as the star of a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit!
