Description
Creamy garlic pasta emerges as a quick culinary delight perfect for busy weeknights. Rich Italian-inspired flavors combine with simple ingredients, delivering a comforting meal you can savor in mere minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 3 tbsps (45 g) butter
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp (5 g) Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid.
- Heat a skillet over medium temperature, gently melting butter until it becomes slightly golden and aromatic.
- Add finely chopped garlic to the butter, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned, releasing its delicate flavor.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture transforms into a smooth, slightly thickened sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring vigorously to create a rich, velvety consistency. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, blending thoroughly.
- Transfer cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand evenly. Add reserved pasta water incrementally to achieve desired sauce consistency and silky texture.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top, creating a vibrant visual and flavor contrast. Serve immediately while piping hot for optimal taste and presentation.
Notes
- Customize pasta type by using gluten-free or whole wheat options for dietary needs.
- Reserve pasta water strategically to control sauce consistency and create silky texture.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 870 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 62 g
- Saturated Fat: 38 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg