Are you craving a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This garlic cream pasta sauce recipe is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. It's unbelievably easy to make, bursting with garlicky goodness, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to elevate your pasta night to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you're a garlic lover!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta of your choice (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Low and slow is key here to prevent browning.
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Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Stir in Cheese and Parsley: Reduce heat to low, stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Serve Immediately: Serve your delicious garlic cream pasta sauce immediately, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of heavy cream and crème fraîche.
- Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Add sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Boost the protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a blend.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Fat: High
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: High
This easy garlic cream pasta sauce recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy your homemade culinary masterpiece! Let us know in the comments how you customized your dish!