Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then look no further! This Pasta Milano Macaroni Grill recipe is your ticket to a delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly easy dinner. Inspired by the popular restaurant chain, this homemade version captures all the creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness you love, but with the added bonus of knowing exactly what ingredients are going into your delicious dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.
Ingredients: You’ll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for beginner cooks. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Pasta Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-worthy Pasta Milano in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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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.
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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 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. If substituting with chicken broth, skip this step and proceed to the next.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in the fresh basil. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if using).
Cooking Tips for Pasta Milano Success
- Don't overcook the garlic: Burning the garlic will make the sauce bitter. Cook it over medium heat and watch it carefully.
- Taste and adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese: The Parmesan cheese adds a significant amount of flavor to the dish, so using a good quality cheese will make a big difference.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Fresh basil and parsley add brightness and freshness to the dish.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations:
- Add protein: Cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp would be delicious additions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would add extra flavor and nutrients.
- Creamy variations: Use a combination of heavy cream and milk for a lighter sauce, or even swap it out for a vegan alternative for a delicious and healthy meal!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more relaxed weekend meal. Enjoy your delicious homemade Pasta Milano!