26 Famous Chefs and Their Butter Sauce Recipes

Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and timeless techniques. Among the many culinary delights, butter sauces hold a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts. These sauces, characterized by their creamy texture and buttery richness, are a testament to the elegance and simplicity of Italian cooking.

This article explores the butter sauce recipes of 26 famous Italian chefs, each offering a unique perspective on this classic dish.

Chef 1: Massimo Bottura

Massimo Bottura, the mastermind behind Osteria Francescana, is renowned for his innovative take on traditional Italian cuisine. His butter sauce recipe is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Massimo Bottura’s Sage and Lemon Butter Sauce

Massimo’s approach is unique in its simplicity yet complexity of flavors. The crispy sage adds an aromatic element that pairs beautifully with the fresh lemon zest, making it an elegant addition to any pasta dish.

Chef 2: Gino D’Acampo

Gino D’Acampo is a celebrated Italian chef known for his authentic and straightforward approach to Italian cooking. His butter sauce recipe is a staple in many households.

Gino D’Acampo’s Garlic and Parsley Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 150g unsalted butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour over grilled fish or steamed vegetables.

Gino’s garlic and parsley butter sauce is a versatile recipe that complements a variety of dishes. The robust flavor of garlic combined with the fresh parsley creates a harmonious balance, enhancing the natural flavors of the main ingredients without overpowering them.

Chef 3: Lidia Bastianich

Lidia Bastianich, a beloved television chef and cookbook author, offers a butter sauce recipe that is both comforting and flavorful.

Lidia Bastianich’s Butter and White Wine Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the shallots and cook until softened.
3. Pour in the white wine and simmer until reduced by half.
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve over chicken or seafood.

Lidia’s butter and white wine sauce is a classic example of how simple ingredients can create a luxurious sauce. The acidity of the white wine balances the richness of the butter, while the shallots add a subtle sweetness, making it an ideal pairing for delicate proteins like chicken and seafood.

Chef 4: Giada De Laurentiis

Giada De Laurentiis, known for her modern twists on classic Italian dishes, provides a light and fresh butter sauce recipe.

Giada De Laurentiis’ Lemon Basil Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
3. Add the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Use as a sauce for pasta or grilled chicken.

Giada’s lemon basil butter sauce is perfect for summer dishes, bringing a burst of freshness with the combination of lemon and basil. The bright flavors are a delightful contrast to the creamy butter, making it a favorite for lighter meals.

Chef 5: Carlo Cracco

Carlo Cracco is known for his sophisticated culinary style, and his butter sauce recipe reflects his attention to detail and flavor complexity.

Carlo Cracco’s Truffle Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 200g unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons truffle oil
• 1 small truffle, finely grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the truffle oil and grated truffle.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over risotto or pasta.

Carlo’s truffle butter sauce is a luxurious addition to any meal. The earthy aroma of truffles elevates the dish, creating a rich and indulgent flavor profile that pairs well with simple pasta or creamy risotto.

Chef 6: Antonio Carluccio

Antonio Carluccio, known as the “Godfather of Italian Gastronomy,” offers a traditional butter sauce recipe with a focus on authentic flavors.

Antonio Carluccio’s Anchovy Butter Sauce

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the anchovy fillets and garlic, cooking until the anchovies dissolve.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
4. Use as a sauce for pasta or spread on toast.

Antonio’s anchovy butter sauce is a flavorful and savory delight. The anchovies add a deep umami taste, while the lemon juice provides a refreshing contrast, making it a versatile sauce for various dishes.

Chef 7: Marcella Hazan

Marcella Hazan, an iconic figure in Italian cooking, is famous for her simple yet incredibly flavorful recipes.

Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 400g canned tomatoes
• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 onion, peeled and halved
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the tomatoes, butter, and onion in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes.
3. Remove the onion and season with salt.
4. Serve with pasta.

Marcella’s tomato butter sauce is a perfect example of her philosophy: simple ingredients, exceptional results. The butter adds richness to the tomatoes, while the onion imparts a subtle sweetness, creating a sauce that is both comforting and delicious.

Chef 8: Giorgio Locatelli

Giorgio Locatelli is a Michelin-starred chef known for his contemporary approach to Italian cuisine.

Giorgio Locatelli’s Sage Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 150g unsalted butter
• 15 fresh sage leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the sage leaves and cook until they are crispy.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over gnocchi or ravioli.

Giorgio’s sage butter sauce is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. The crispy sage leaves add a delightful texture and aroma, enhancing the buttery sauce’s richness and making it an excellent choice for classic Italian dishes like gnocchi and ravioli.

Chef 9: Fabio Viviani

Fabio Viviani, a charismatic chef and restaurateur, brings his vibrant personality to his cooking.

Fabio Viviani’s Spicy Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chili peppers and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Use as a sauce for seafood or grilled meats.

Fabio’s spicy butter sauce adds a kick to any dish. The heat from the chili peppers and the aromatic garlic combine with the creamy butter to create a sauce that is both bold and flavorful, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Chef 10: Valeria Piccini

Valeria Piccini is a celebrated chef known for her refined and elegant dishes.

Valeria Piccini’s Lemon Thyme Butter Sauce

Valeria’s lemon thyme butter sauce is a light and aromatic addition to any meal. The combination of lemon and thyme creates a refreshing and herbaceous flavor profile, perfect for enhancing the natural flavors of vegetables and fish.

Chef 11: Davide Oldani

Davide Oldani, known for his innovative approach to

traditional Italian cuisine, offers a unique butter sauce recipe.

Davide Oldani’s Coffee Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in the instant coffee granules and heavy cream.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over steak or roasted meats.

Davide’s coffee butter sauce is an adventurous and bold recipe. The coffee adds a deep, roasted flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the richness of the butter and cream, making it an excellent sauce for hearty meats.

Chef 12: Rocco DiSpirito

Rocco DiSpirito, a chef known for his healthy yet delicious recipes, provides a light and flavorful butter sauce.

Rocco DiSpirito’s Orange and Rosemary Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• Juice and zest of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the orange juice, zest, and chopped rosemary.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Use as a sauce for chicken or pork.

Rocco’s orange and rosemary butter sauce brings a bright and citrusy flavor to the table. The combination of orange and rosemary is refreshing and aromatic, making it a delightful accompaniment to poultry and pork dishes.

Chef 13: Michele Casadei Massari

Michele Casadei Massari, known for his authentic Italian dishes, offers a luxurious butter sauce recipe.

Michele Casadei Massari’s Lobster Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 200g unsalted butter
• 1 cup lobster stock
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the shallots and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the lobster stock and reduce by half.
4. Add the chopped tarragon and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve over lobster or seafood pasta.

Michele’s lobster butter sauce is rich and indulgent. The lobster stock infuses the butter with a deep seafood flavor, while the shallots and tarragon add complexity and freshness, making it a perfect sauce for seafood lovers.

Chef 14: Cristina Bowerman

Cristina Bowerman, a Michelin-starred chef, brings her creative flair to her butter sauce recipe.

Cristina Bowerman’s Saffron Butter Sauce

Cristina’s saffron butter sauce is vibrant and aromatic. The saffron adds a beautiful golden color and a unique floral flavor, making it an elegant sauce for risotto and fish dishes.

Chef 15: Franco Pepe

Franco Pepe, a renowned pizzaiolo, offers a butter sauce that pairs perfectly with his famous pizzas.

Franco Pepe’s Chili Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chili peppers and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle over pizza or use as a dipping sauce.

Franco’s chili butter sauce adds a spicy kick to any dish. The heat from the chili peppers and the aromatic garlic combine with the creamy butter to create a sauce that is both bold and flavorful, perfect for pizza lovers.

Chef 16: Nadia Santini

Nadia Santini, a Michelin-starred chef, offers a sophisticated butter sauce recipe.

Nadia Santini’s Black Truffle Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 small black truffle, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the grated truffle and heavy cream.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over pasta or risotto.

Nadia’s black truffle butter sauce is a luxurious addition to any meal. The earthy aroma of truffles elevates the dish, creating a rich and indulgent flavor profile that pairs well with simple pasta or creamy risotto.

Chef 17: Enrico Cerea

Enrico Cerea, a Michelin-starred chef, offers a butter sauce that is both elegant and flavorful.

Enrico Cerea’s Lemon and Caper Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and capers.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over fish or chicken.

Enrico’s lemon and caper butter sauce is a bright and tangy addition to any dish. The combination of lemon and capers adds a refreshing and briny flavor, making it an ideal sauce for seafood and poultry.

Chef 18: Alice Waters

Alice Waters, a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, offers a simple and fresh butter sauce recipe.

Alice Waters’ Herb Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the thyme, parsley, and chives.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over vegetables or fish.

Alice’s herb butter sauce is a celebration of fresh herbs. The combination of thyme, parsley, and chives adds a burst of freshness to the creamy butter, making it a versatile sauce for a variety of dishes.

Chef 19: Salvatore Tassa

Salvatore Tassa, a Michelin-starred chef, offers a unique and flavorful butter sauce.

Salvatore Tassa’s Chestnut Butter Sauce

Salvatore’s chestnut butter sauce is rich and earthy. The chestnut puree adds a unique flavor and creamy texture, making it an excellent sauce for game meats and hearty pasta dishes.

Chef 20: Mauro Uliassi

Mauro Uliassi, a Michelin-starred chef, offers a sophisticated butter sauce recipe.

Mauro Uliassi’s Vanilla Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the vanilla seeds and heavy cream.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over seafood or poultry.

Mauro’s vanilla butter sauce is a delicate and aromatic addition to any dish. The vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and floral aroma, making it a unique sauce for seafood and poultry dishes.

Chef 21: Heinz Beck

Heinz Beck, a Michelin-starred chef, offers a refined butter sauce recipe.

Heinz Beck’s Basil Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 bunch fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the chopped basil and garlic.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over pasta or vegetables.

Heinz’s basil butter sauce is a fresh and aromatic addition to any meal. The combination of basil and garlic adds a burst of flavor to the creamy butter, making it a versatile sauce for pasta and vegetables.

Chef 22: Massimiliano Alajmo

Massimiliano Alajmo, a Michelin-starred chef, offers a luxurious butter sauce recipe.

Massimiliano Alajmo’s Foie Gras Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 50g foie gras, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the chopped foie gras and heavy cream.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over steak or game meats.

Massimiliano’s foie gras butter sauce is rich and indulgent. The foie gras adds a deep, savory flavor to the creamy butter, making it an excellent sauce for steak and game meats.

Chef 23: Francesco Mazzei

Francesco Mazzei, known for his traditional Calabrian cuisine, offers a flavorful butter sauce.

Francesco Mazzei’s duja Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 50g nduja sausage, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the nduja sausage and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over pasta or pizza.

Francesco’s nduja butter sauce is a spicy and flavorful delight. The nduja sausage adds a rich, spicy flavor to the creamy butter, making it a perfect sauce for pasta and pizza lovers.

Chef 24: Simone Zanoni

Simone Zanoni, a Michelin-starred chef, offers a refined and elegant butter sauce recipe.

Simone Zanoni’s Chive Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 bunch fresh chives, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the chopped chives and heavy cream.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over fish or vegetables.

Simone’s chive butter sauce is a fresh and elegant addition to any dish. The chives add a mild onion flavor to the creamy butter, making it a versatile sauce for fish and vegetables.

Chef 25: Aldo Zilli

Aldo Zilli, a chef known for his authentic Italian cuisine, offers a simple and delicious butter sauce.

Aldo Zilli’s Mint Butter Sauce

Aldo’s mint butter sauce is a fresh and aromatic addition to any meal. The combination of mint and lemon adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the creamy butter, making it a perfect sauce for lamb and vegetables.

Chef 26: Roberto Cerea

Roberto Cerea, a Michelin-starred chef, offers a luxurious butter sauce recipe.

Roberto Cerea’s Caviar Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon caviar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the caviar and heavy cream.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over seafood or pasta.

Roberto’s caviar butter sauce is a luxurious addition to any meal. The caviar adds a delicate, briny flavor to the creamy butter, making it an elegant sauce for seafood and pasta dishes.

FAQ

Conclusion

Butter sauces are a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, cherished for their simplicity and luxurious flavor. The recipes shared by these famous Italian chefs demonstrate the versatility and elegance of this classic sauce. Whether you prefer the zesty notes of lemon and basil or the aromatic touch of garlic and parsley, there is a butter sauce recipe to suit every palate. Explore these delightful recipes and bring a touch of Italian culinary magic to your kitchen.

Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

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