Creamy Pasta
A silky, creamy pasta dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (any type) Shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells hold sauce nicely. Can substitute with whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Cream Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream Provides richness and body.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated melts best.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Gently sautéed for aroma.
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing; butter can add extra richness.
- to taste Salt and pepper Add incrementally and taste.
- for garnish Fresh parsley Brightens and balances the cream.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- While the pasta cooks, warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it brown or it will taste bitter.
- Pour in the heavy cream and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
- Remove the skillet from direct heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan a little at a time until it melts into a smooth sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Combining and Serving
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss or stir to coat each piece in the sauce. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
For creative twists, consider adding sautéed shrimp, roasted asparagus, or a squeeze of lemon before serving.