Italian

Basil Parmesan Agnolotti with Brown Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce

Hand-rolled agnolotti stuffed with lemony ricotta, fresh basil, and Parmesan, tossed in a nutty brown butter cream sauce finished with more Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

Prep:1 hr
Cook:15 min
Total:1 hr 15 min
Serves:2
Difficulty:advanced
Basil Parmesan Agnolotti with Brown Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce

Ingredients

Pasta Dough

  • 200 g 00 flour
  • 2 eggs
  • Pinch of salt

Ricotta Basil Filling

  • 7.5 oz ricotta
  • 4 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Brown Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 fresh basil leaves, torn
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Make the pasta dough: add the flour to a clean surface and create a well in the center. Add the eggs and salt, then slowly incorporate the flour until a dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. To check, press your thumb into the dough and make sure it bounces back after 2–3 seconds. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for at least 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Make the filling: combine the ricotta, basil, garlic, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and blend until well combined. Keep chilled until ready to use.

  3. 3

    Shape the agnolotti: divide the dough into smaller portions and roll through a pasta machine until thin. Add small portions of filling along the pasta sheet, then fold the dough over the filling. Press around each mound to remove any air, pinch between each piece, and cut into individual agnolotti.

  4. 4

    Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the agnolotti for about 2–3 minutes, or until tender and floating. Reserve a little pasta water before removing.

  5. 5

    Make the sauce: melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook until golden brown and nutty. Add the garlic and basil and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream, then add the Parmesan and mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

  6. 6

    Add the cooked agnolotti directly to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce, then finish with extra Parmesan and fresh black pepper.

Tips

The thumb test is the one that matters — if the dough springs back after 2–3 seconds, it's kneaded enough.

Press out every bit of air around each mound of filling. Trapped air makes the agnolotti burst in the water.