fresh herbs, 2-3 sage leaves, 2-3 large basil leaves, oregano or a combination of all
grated Parmesan cheese
salt and fresh ground pepper
optional items: washed and sliced mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus etc. raw or cooked chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage
olive oil
Instructions
Bring water to boil in a large pan.
While the water is coming to a boil, start the herb butter in another pan.
Melt two tablespoons butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in desired herbs.
Cook for about one minute without letting butter brown. You may leave the leaves in the butter or remove if you'd like. I leave them in.
If you are using veggies such as mushrooms, broccoli or meat, add now and let sauté.
When water comes to a boil, cook pasta until al dente.
Drain the pasta, but save some of the water to add back to dish.
Using tongs, place pasta in sauté pan with herb butter mixture.
Toss all together, add fresh grated Parmesan, salt and pepper and a couple of tablespoons of the pasta water. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired!
Plate and eat. Or eat out of the pan :)
Notes
-You may add a variety of meats or veggies to this recipe. If you are adding chicken or shrimp or lots of veggies I would increase the amount of "sauce" as well so the dish doesn't seem too dry. For every 1 cup of vegetables or meat, increase the sauce by 1/2 so instead of 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, use 3 tablespoons. -If you are a garlic lover, add 1 clove of minced garlic to the butter when sautéing the herbs.