Description
Garlic lovers rejoice over this 15 minute creamy garlic pasta that blends rich parmesan and silky sauce with classic Italian flavors. Quick weeknight dinners become simple culinary experiences you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine
Dairy:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until tender yet firm, approximately 8-9 minutes. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining completely.
- Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.
- Introduce finely chopped garlic into the melted butter, sautéing for roughly 45-60 seconds until its aroma intensifies without browning.
- Stream heavy cream into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and slightly reduce for 2-3 minutes, creating a luxurious base.
- Gradually incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese dissolves smoothly and the sauce develops a velvety consistency.
- Transfer drained pasta into the creamy sauce, meticulously coating each strand by folding and turning the pasta to ensure even distribution.
- Adjust sauce thickness by introducing reserved pasta water, stirring until achieving desired creaminess and texture.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, tasting and modifying seasoning as needed.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Pasta Water Magic: Always save some pasta water before draining, as its starchy quality helps create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly clings to noodles.
- Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference; roast or lightly sauté to mellow its sharp bite and enhance subtle flavor notes.
- Cheese Selection Flexibility: Experiment with different hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or aged Asiago for unique flavor profiles while maintaining creamy texture.
- Quick Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream for vegan version, or incorporate whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 870 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 65 g
- Saturated Fat: 40 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg