Description
A comforting pasta dish featuring a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that coats each noodle with indulgent flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For added protein, try incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce.
- For a vegetable boost, add steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little milk or cream.
- Pre-grated Parmesan works, but freshly grated will give a smoother sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
