If you’re looking for a pasta dish that bursts with bright flavors, this Rich and Zesty Lemon Brown Butter Pasta with Artichokes and Fennel is just what you need. The nutty aroma of brown butter combined with tangy lemon and fresh vegetables creates a mouthwatering harmony. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a cozy meal that’s both simple and satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Trim the stalks and root base from the fennel bulb, then halve it and cut into 1/2-inch wedges.
- Place the fennel slices and halved artichoke hearts on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, then broil for 2-4 minutes until edges are caramelized.
- In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté minced garlic for a minute before adding Panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until breadcrumbs are golden brown, then transfer to a bowl.
- Cook your preferred pasta in boiling water until it’s just about al dente, about one minute shy of done.
- While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the sauté pan over medium-high heat, stirring until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Add black pepper and a cup of starchy pasta water, being careful as it will bubble.
- Mix lemon zest and juice into the browned butter sauce and let it simmer briefly. Use tongs to transfer the pasta directly to this sauce, add Parmesan, and toss until the pasta is fully coated.
- Combine the roasted fennel and artichokes with the pasta in the sauce, adjusting seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve the pasta immediately, topped with garlicky breadcrumbs and fresh basil for garnish. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1 large fennel bulb
- 2 (14-ounce) cans of artichoke hearts, drained and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large lemon, both zest and juice (approximately 3–4 tablespoons of juice)
- 1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound uncooked pappardelle or your preferred pasta shape
- Chopped fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large garlic cloves, either pressed or minced
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon each of fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
FAQ
- What type of pasta works best for this dish?
- You can use any pasta you prefer, but a thick pappardelle is recommended. Gluten-free or whole wheat pasta can also be used if desired.
- Can I add protein to this pasta recipe?
- Yes, adding protein is a great option. Consider incorporating shrimp, salmon, chicken, Italian sausage, or bacon to complement the dish.
- How can I make this pasta recipe gluten-free?
- To make the recipe gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs (or any other gluten-free breadcrumbs).
- What should I keep in mind when browning the butter?
- Butter can transition from brown to burnt quickly, so keep a close watch as it browns on the stove to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Are there any variations to the lemon brown butter sauce?
- You can make the sauce creamier by adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cream. Additionally, different fresh herbs like rosemary, tarragon, thyme, parsley, oregano, or chives can be added to the garlicky breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- What should I do if the sauce seems too dry?
- If the sauce appears too dry, add extra starchy pasta water, a quarter cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Transfer your pasta to the lemon butter sauce when it’s just slightly undercooked (about one minute before al dente) to allow it to finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors better.
- Monitor the Brown Butter Closely: Butter can quickly go from brown to burnt, so keep a vigilant eye on it while cooking. Once it starts turning golden and releases a nutty aroma, it’s time to move forward with the next steps.
- Toast Breadcrumbs Thoroughly: For extra flavor and crunch, toast the breadcrumbs until they reach a deep golden brown. Stir them frequently to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.
- Consider Adding Protein: While the dish is delightful as a vegetarian recipe, you can enhance it by adding proteins like shrimp, chicken, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
