Cream & Sage Linguine | A Recipe From the Poplar & Prose Kitchen

Some recipes are passed down. Others begin at a restaurant.

This one comes with a bit of drama.

At Romantique Caffè in Paris, the linguine is flambéed in a giant hollowed wheel of Grana Padano before being finished with cream, fresh sage, and cracked black pepper. It's simple, elegant, and wonderfully indulgent.

I ordered it for lunch after spending time at the Rodin Museum on a beautiful, sunlit afternoon in Paris this summer. According to the menu, it's "always copied and imitated, never equaled." And here I am—still thinking about it, trying to recreate it at home!

If you can't find Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano will make delicious substitutes.

For meals that call for extra comfort.

I hope this one finds its way to your table, too.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces linguine
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 8–10 fresh sage leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Grana Padano
• ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Reserved 1 cup pasta water

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until fragrant and lightly crisp. Remove a few leaves for garnish.
3. Pour in the cream and warm gently. Do not boil.
4. Stir in most of the Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano, whisking until smooth.
5. Add the linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is silky and clings to every strand. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter until glossy.
6. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and additional Grana Padano. Serve immediately.

Enjoy,

—Poplar & Prose

If you make this linguine, I'd love to hear about it. Did you try it with Grana Padano cheese or one of the substitutes?

The best recipes come with a story, don't you think?

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