From The Cookbook: Happy Cooking

Whip up this comforting Giada Brown Butter Tortellini with just 7 ingredients and in 40 minutes! Made with cheese tortellini, brown butter, sage leaves, parmesan cheese, and salt, it’s a main course that’s sure to impress. Serve it with a twist, topped with crispy sage leaves for that extra flair.

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 (9-ounce) package fresh cheese tortellini
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
• ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
• ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

How To Make Giada Brown Butter Tortellini

Cook the Tortellini

1. Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions, about 7 minutes.
2. Reserve Cooking Water: Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water.

Make the Brown Butter Sauce

1. Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Brown the Butter: Cook until the butter solids begin to brown, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the pan to release browned bits.

Combine and Serve

1. Add Flavorings: Add ½ cup reserved pasta water, dill, lemon zest, and juice to the browned butter.
2. Combine with Tortellini: Add the cooked tortellini and cook for 1 minute, stirring gently to coat evenly, adding remaining pasta water if needed.
3. Serve: Serve topped with more Parmesan cheese if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Ingredient Substitution: For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness and maintains the creamy texture while making the dish suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
• Make Ahead: Prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the original consistency.
• Flavor Enhancement: To amplify the nutty flavor of the brown butter, add a teaspoon of toasted hazelnut oil towards the end of cooking. This subtle addition will deepen the overall flavor profile without overpowering the tortellini.
• Vegetable Addition: Elevate the dish by adding sautéed asparagus or zucchini during the last minute of cooking. This will introduce a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Pantry Staples: Keep browned butter on hand by preparing it ahead and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will allow you to whip up a quick and easy Giada-inspired meal anytime, without the hassle of making it from scratch.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Blueberry-Banana Bread Recipe
• Giada Butternut Squash Soup With Fontina Cheese Crostini
• Giada De Laurentiis Cauliflower Alfredo

Giada Brown Butter Tortellini

Recipe by Giada De Laurentiis

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

Whip up this comforting Giada Brown Butter Tortellini with just 7 ingredients and in 40 minutes! Made with cheese tortellini, brown butter, sage leaves, parmesan cheese, and salt, it’s a main course that’s sure to impress. Serve it with a twist, topped with crispy sage leaves for that extra flair.

Ingredients

• 1 (9-ounce) package fresh cheese tortellini
  

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
  

• ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
  

• ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt
  

• 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
  

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  

Directions

• Cook the Tortellini
  
• Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions, about 7 minutes.
  
• Reserve Cooking Water: Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water.
  
• Make the Brown Butter Sauce
  
• Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
  
• Brown the Butter: Cook until the butter solids begin to brown, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the pan to release browned bits.
  
• Combine and Serve
  
• Add Flavorings: Add ½ cup reserved pasta water, dill, lemon zest, and juice to the browned butter.
  
• Combine with Tortellini: Add the cooked tortellini and cook for 1 minute, stirring gently to coat evenly, adding remaining pasta water if needed.
  
• Serve: Serve topped with more Parmesan cheese if desired.