Description
Luxurious Creamy Pasta with Parmesan showcases rich Italian culinary traditions through a silky sauce and perfectly al dente noodles. Cheese lovers find comfort in this simple yet elegant dish that brings Mediterranean flavors directly to home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 8 oz (226 grams) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or favorite type)
- 2 tbsps (30 grams) butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- ½ cup (75 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Sauce Foundation: Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then pour in heavy cream. Whisk continuously, creating a smooth base.
- Cheese Integration: Lower heat and incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Season with Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Blend until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Pasta Fusion: Introduce drained pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to coat every strand. Adjust sauce thickness using reserved pasta water if needed.
- Vegetable Elevation: Fold baby spinach and halved cherry tomatoes into the pasta. Allow spinach to wilt and tomatoes to warm through, creating a vibrant, fresh dimension.
- Final Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, ensuring the dish maintains its optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Pasta Water Preservation: Retain a cup of starchy pasta water before draining, as it helps create a silky, emulsified sauce and can adjust consistency if the mixture becomes too thick.
- Garlic Technique: Sauté garlic briefly to avoid burning, which can introduce bitter notes; aim for a golden, fragrant result that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Cheese Melting Strategy: Add Parmesan gradually and off direct heat to prevent clumping, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture without grainy inconsistencies.
- Vegetable Integration: Fold leafy greens like spinach at the end of cooking to maintain vibrant color and prevent wilting, preserving nutritional value and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 660
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg