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Farro Spaghetti with Brown Butter, Shallots & Sage

Farro Spaghetti with Brown Butter, Shallots & Sage

Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp. salted butter, cut into 5 to 6 pieces

  • 30 leaves fresh sage

  • 4 large shallots, very finely chopped, about 2 cups

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • Salt and black pepper

  • ⅛ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

  • 1 cup beef bone broth or stock or mushroom stock

  • 1 lb. farro spaghetti (I like Rustichella d’Abruzzo)

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for passing

Directions

  • Step 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.

  • Step 2

    Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the butter. When it foams, add the sage; cook, stirring often, until the leaves curl at the edges and the butter is brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the sage to a plate lined with paper towels. Add the shallots and garlic to the brown butter. Season with salt and pepper and add the nutmeg. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring often, until the shallots are soft, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the broth, increase heat to medium, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low.

  • Step 3

    Meanwhile, salt the boiling water, add the pasta, and cook 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.

  • Step 4

    Add the pasta to the skillet and sprinkle in 1/2 cup cheese. Crumble half of the sage leaves over the pasta. Toss, using the reserved cooking water as needed to create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. Divide the pasta among shallow bowls; top with the remaining sage. Serve with more cheese for passing at the table.