creamy garlic pasta
This creamy garlic pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich and flavorful garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 skillet or frying pan
- 1 colander
- 1 sauce whisk or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider including sautéed mushrooms or spinach in the sauce.
If you like a more intense garlic flavor, you can add extra garlic or even garlic powder.
This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.