Creamy Garlic Pasta Delight
A rich, savory, and incredibly easy pasta dish featuring a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce. Ideal for a quick yet satisfying meal, perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
- 300 g spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup pasta water reserved
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little extra reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and vegetables.