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Browned Butter Lemon Dill Pasta

Browned Butter Lemon Dill Pasta


  • Author: Kevin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Plant-Based

Description

Savor the tangy zest and rich aroma of Browned Butter Lemon Dill Pasta with creamy plant-based cheese and fresh herbs in every bite. This dish strikes a perfect balance of nutty browned butter, bright lemon notes, and fragrant dill, creating an irresistible pasta experience that is both comforting and fresh. Ideal for a quick dinner or an elegant meal, this recipe combines flavor and simplicity in one delightful plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta (or gluten-free pasta)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (natural flavoring)
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, diced (creamy, meltable variety)
  • 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, which means tender but with a slight bite. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the cooking water to help loosen the sauce later.
  2. Brown the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. Watch closely as the butter melts, foams, and ultimately turns a golden brown color with a wonderful nutty aroma. Remove the skillet from heat just before it starts to burn to preserve that rich flavor.
  3. Add Garlic and Lemon: Quickly add minced garlic to the browned butter and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, letting the citrus mingle with the nutty butter to create that signature brightness that defines this dish.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the browned butter lemon sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to every strand. Stir in fresh dill and diced plant-based cheese, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and add a creamy texture to each bite.
  5. Season and Serve: Finish by seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a dash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Give everything a final toss, then serve immediately with extra dill for garnish.

Notes

  • Watch the butter closely to avoid burning; remove from heat when it reaches a golden brown color.
  • Use fresh dill for the best flavor and aroma; dried dill can substitute at one-third the amount.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce without watering it down.
  • Adjust lemon juice to taste, starting with less and adding more if needed for extra brightness.
  • Add plant-based cheese off direct heat to prevent separation and achieve a creamy finish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: brown butter pasta, lemon dill pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, quick dinner, gluten-free pasta, creamy pasta sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce