Are you craving a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that's both quick to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This recipe uses the convenience of Bertolli Garlic Alfredo Sauce as a base to create a delicious and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this is homemade cooking made simple, resulting in a truly delicious dish the whole family will adore.
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) jar Bertolli Garlic Alfredo Sauce
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite shape)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, you can enhance your Bertolli Garlic Alfredo Sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the Alfredo sauce, heavy cream (if using), minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Stir over low heat until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Garlic Alfredo:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Adjust the creaminess: For a richer sauce, add more heavy cream. For a lighter sauce, omit the heavy cream altogether.
- Add protein: This recipe is easily adaptable. Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Variations:
- Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with a little olive oil and garlic before adding the pasta to the sauce.
- Chicken Alfredo: Add cooked and shredded chicken to the sauce along with the pasta.
- Vegetable Alfredo: Toss in your favorite vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without variations):
This is an approximation and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Please note that this information is for a single serving of the recipe, excluding added protein or vegetables.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This easy recipe offers a delicious and quick dinner solution. The best recipes are those that are both satisfying and simple, and this Bertolli Garlic Alfredo Sauce recipe perfectly embodies that principle, making it a staple for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!