FETTUCCINE WITH BRUSSELS SPROUT LEAVES, BROWN BUTTER, AND TOASTED WALNUTS

Fettuccine with Brussels Sprout Leaves, Brown Butter, and Toasted Walnuts image

Yield serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for cooking water
16 ounces fettuccine
1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 ounces walnuts
1 medium red onion, sliced into thin wedges
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound Brussels sprouts, leaves separated
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage
1/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil; add salt. Add the pasta, and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, transfer to a medium bowl, and toss with 1 tablespoon butter. Cover, and keep warm while proceeding.
Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet, place in the oven, and toast until fragrant, about 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, chop coarsely; set aside. Place 1/2 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until the butter begins to brown and is very fragrant, about 8 minutes. Strain, discarding the solids, into a glass measuring cup or a small bowl, and set aside.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until they start to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the sprout leaves, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs, and continue cooking until the leaves are bright green and tender and the onions are translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the pasta to the skillet, and drizzle with the brown butter. Toss to combine, and cook until warmed through, seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Transfer to a serving dish, and garnish with walnuts and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.