Description
Creamy garlic pasta emerges as a quick culinary delight perfect for busy weeknights. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevate this simple dish, helping diners savor Italian-inspired comfort in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 200 grams (7 ounces) spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
Cooking Fats and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Immerse pasta in a pot of generously salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite. Set aside 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Gently sweat minced garlic for approximately 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without allowing it to brown.
- Stream heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for 2-3 minutes, creating a luxurious base.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform texture. Season with freshly cracked black pepper, a pinch of salt, and optional chili flakes for subtle heat.
- Introduce cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, folding carefully to ensure complete coating. Adjust sauce consistency by introducing reserved pasta water in small increments.
- Finish the dish with a vibrant sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, adding a burst of color and herbaceous brightness just before serving.
Notes
- Adjust pasta water carefully to prevent sauce from becoming too thin or watery, adding small amounts gradually for perfect creamy texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged grated options.
- Choose alternative pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine that hold creamy sauces exceptionally well for similar delicious results.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta, maintaining the luxurious garlic cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 710 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg