
Craving a rich, creamy pasta dish that’s both comforting and easy to make? This creamy pasta recipe delivers a luscious, velvety sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Made with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, heavy cream, and cheese, it’s a go-to dish for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 cups water
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add 1 tsp salt and the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix until fully melted.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the pan with the sauce.
- Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the creamy pasta to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce. Pre-grated cheese may not melt properly.
- Don’t overcook the pasta since it will continue absorbing the sauce after mixing.
- Adjust thickness by adding pasta water to loosen or more cheese for a thicker sauce.
- Enhance with proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for a complete meal.
This creamy pasta is a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dish that will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy! 🍝😋