Description
Creamy Italian Cheese Pasta brings classic Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables across kitchens. Bold flavors blend seamlessly with rich ingredients, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsps butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water at high heat for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium temperature, allowing it to bubble gently.
- Introduce minced garlic, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until aromatic and lightly golden, releasing its fragrant essence.
- Slowly pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious base. Allow mixture to simmer softly without aggressive bubbling.
- Gradually incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, whisking continuously to ensure a silky, uniform consistency.
- Season the developing sauce with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Fold cooked pasta into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the velvety mixture.
- Transfer to serving plates, finishing with a delicate garnish of finely chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and herbaceous brightness.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, capturing the sauce’s peak creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Swap whole milk for heavy cream to reduce calories and make the dish lighter.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
- Roast minced garlic before adding to enhance its nutty, mellow flavor profile.
- Add sautéed spinach or grilled chicken for extra protein and nutritional balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 627 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1116 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg