Jennifer Garner, the well - known actress, has not only charmed us on the big screen but also in the kitchen. On her “Pretend Cooking Show”, she shared an incredibly easy brown butter pasta recipe. Intrigued by this, the Better Homes & Garden's Test Kitchen decided to put it to the test. And let me tell you, it's a recipe that's bound to become a staple in your weeknight cooking repertoire.

First things first, let's talk about the ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You'll need some basic pantry staples such as pasta (any type you prefer, but a short pasta like penne or fusilli works great), butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of fresh parsley. The use of brown butter is what really elevates this dish. Brown butter has a rich, nutty flavor that adds a depth of taste that's hard to resist.

To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, it's time to make the brown butter. In a medium - sized skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, you'll notice it start to foam. Keep an eye on it, and stir constantly. After a few minutes, the butter will start to turn a golden - brown color and develop a nutty aroma. This is the moment you've been waiting for. Remove the skillet from the heat as soon as the butter reaches this stage to prevent it from burning.

Next, mince the garlic and add it to the brown butter. The heat from the butter will gently cook the garlic, releasing its wonderful aroma. Let the garlic sit in the butter for a minute or two, but be careful not to overcook it, as burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of the dish. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving about a half - cup of the pasta water.

Now, it's time to combine all the elements. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the brown butter and garlic. Toss the pasta well to coat it evenly with the butter. If the pasta seems a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. Grate a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the pasta and continue to toss. The heat from the pasta will start to melt the cheese, creating a luxurious, cheesy coating.

Finally, chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top of the pasta. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that balances out the richness of the brown butter and cheese. The result is a bowl of pasta that looks as good as it tastes. It's a dish that's both comforting and elegant, perfect for a weeknight dinner when you don't have a lot of time but still want to enjoy a delicious meal.

One of the reasons this recipe is so great for weeknights is its speed. From start to finish, you can have this pasta on the table in less than 30 minutes. It's also very versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. For example, you could sauté some cherry tomatoes or spinach and add them to the pasta. Or, if you're a meat lover, you could throw in some cooked chicken or bacon.

In conclusion, Jennifer Garner's brown butter pasta recipe is a winner. It's easy to make, delicious, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal. So, head to your kitchen, gather the ingredients, and give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.