Description
Silky strands of garlic pasta invite culinary bliss with each delectable twirl. Parmesan-kissed noodles promise comfort and quick satisfaction for hungry hearts seeking simple, elegant dining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream (or half & half)
- ¾ cup (75 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a spacious pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches an al dente texture, following package guidelines.
- Carefully strain the pasta, preserving a portion of the starchy cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment. Set pasta aside momentarily.
- Select a generously sized skillet and warm it over medium heat. Introduce butter, allowing it to melt smoothly and develop a light golden hue.
- Introduce finely chopped garlic to the melted butter, stirring continuously for approximately 60 seconds until an aromatic fragrance emerges and the garlic becomes translucent.
- Gently pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, creating a luxurious base. Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a silky texture.
- Season the developing sauce with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a subtle hint of red pepper flakes for a gentle warmth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce, using tongs to ensure each strand is thoroughly coated. If the sauce appears too dense, incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve a desirable consistency.
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the pasta remains piping hot.
Notes
- Swap whole milk for lighter options like almond or oat milk to reduce calories and make the dish dairy-free friendly.
- Toast garlic briefly to prevent burning and develop a deeper, nuttier flavor without turning bitter.
- Use starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to create silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle strand.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding sharp pecorino or creamy goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg