Are you craving a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful pasta sauce? Look no further! This spicy garlic parmesan sauce recipe is your answer. It's bursting with garlicky goodness, a delightful kick of spice, and the creamy richness of parmesan cheese – everything you need for a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and homemade alternative to jarred sauces. Get ready to elevate your pasta game!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work wonderfully)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter.
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Stir in the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
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Add the Parmesan: Gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Season and Finish: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
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Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the spicy garlic parmesan sauce and serve immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Don't burn the garlic! Low and slow is the key here. Keep a close eye on it while it's sautéing.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more!
- Use fresh parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese tastes significantly better than pre-grated.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
Variations:
- Add protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Creamy without cream: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious.
- Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Incorporate a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an intense, umami flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-400 (depending on pasta and additions)
- Fat: High
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: High
This spicy garlic parmesan sauce is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences and dietary needs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!