Freestyle Italian-Inspired Chicken Wings with Butter, Sage & Cacio e Pepe Flair

A freestyle dinner with a nod to classic Italian flavors — a hint of cacio e pepe and burro e salvia, but with chicken wings replacing pasta. These aromatic wings are a simple yet sophisticated way to enjoy an Italian-inspired meal at home.

🕒 Cooking Time & Portions

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

📝 Ingredients

1 kg chicken wings (sectioned, without tips)
10 g unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
10–15 fresh sage leaves (medium-sized)
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Zest of 1 lemon (grated)
20 g finely grated Parmesan cheese (or a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino)
Salt, to taste
Chili flakes, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper (coarse grind), generous amount

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the chicken wings with salt and chili flakes to taste. Arrange them spaced out on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 30 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, turn on the grill (broiler) or use the extra-browning setting to achieve a pleasant golden crisp — watch carefully to avoid burning.
While wings bake, prepare the sauce: in a large skillet (25–30 cm), melt the butter with olive oil. Add the sage leaves and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper.
When the butter mixture starts to sizzle, add the crushed garlic and infuse for 1 minute.
Toss the cooked wings into the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the sage butter sauce. Add more black pepper and a touch of lemon zest (just a few grates) to brighten the flavors.
Transfer everything to a serving dish and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top, folding gently to melt the cheese over the wings.
Serve immediately, or reheat gently in the oven or microwave for later enjoyment.

🧾 Final Thoughts

These wings bring an elegant Italian twist to a classic comfort food, balancing rich butter and sharp cheese with fragrant herbs and zesty lemon. Perfect for casual dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.