Description
This Creamy Spaghetti Sauce is a rich and smooth sauce bursting with savory flavors from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy-to-make sauce that elevates simple spaghetti into a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Versatile and delicious, it pairs beautifully with chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, or vegetables, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and set aside for later use.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Add Flour: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute while whisking constantly to form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Liquids: Gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while continuously whisking to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Season and Thicken: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir the sauce until the cheese melts completely and it develops a creamy texture.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Toss Pasta into Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving warm to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother melting sauce compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Boost protein and flavor by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk and a small amount of cream cheese.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American