🍝 Creamy Pasta
Creamy Pasta is a comforting Italian-inspired dish made with tender pasta coated in a smooth, rich cream sauce. Garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of Italian seasoning give the sauce plenty of flavor without making the recipe complicated. It is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy family meal, or a simple dish when you want something warm and satisfying.
Equipment Note
The non-stick pan I used works perfectly for this recipe. You can check it out here.
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Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt.
Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic
Place a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic.
Cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to brown or burn the garlic because it can make the sauce taste bitter.
3. Make the Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Pour the heavy cream and milk into the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
Add the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3–4 minutes. Avoid boiling it rapidly because gentle heating helps keep the sauce smooth.
4. Add the Parmesan
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the cream sauce and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water and stir until you reach your preferred consistency.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet.
Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the pasta through the sauce until every piece is evenly coated.
Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes over low heat so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta.
Add a little extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and creamy.
Cooking Tips
Use freshly grated Parmesan whenever possible. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly and can sometimes make the sauce slightly grainy.
Do not cook the garlic over high heat. Gentle cooking brings out its flavor without burning it.
The reserved pasta water is useful for adjusting the sauce. The starch in the water can help the sauce cling nicely to the pasta.
If you want a richer sauce, you can use more heavy cream. For a lighter version, increase the amount of milk slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Pasta pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread.
You can also add steamed broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
For a complete dinner, serve the pasta with a fresh salad and crusty bread.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftover pasta to cool before placing it in an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days.
When reheating, add a small splash of milk or water before warming it gently in a skillet. Stir frequently until the pasta is heated through and the sauce becomes creamy again.
Avoid overheating the sauce because cream-based sauces can become too thick when heated for too long.
Recipe Notes
This creamy pasta is easy to customize. You can add mushrooms, spinach, roasted vegetables, or fresh herbs.
For extra flavor, add a little lemon zest at the end. A small amount of red pepper flakes can also provide a gentle kick.
The key to a smooth sauce is gentle heat and continuous stirring while adding the Parmesan.
For the best result, serve the pasta immediately after combining it with the sauce.