Sure, here’s a delicious pasta recipe that’s perfect for a cozy evening:
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
- 250 grams (8 oz) pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the chicken or vegetable broth. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the heavy cream and continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally. Let the cream heat through and start to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning:
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- For extra richness, stir in the butter until it melts and blends into the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the pasta is well coated with the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve the pasta hot, with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips:
- For added protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon into the dish. Simply sauté or grill your choice of protein and mix it in with the pasta.
- For a veggie boost, sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes and add them to the pasta before serving.
This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread. Enjoy your meal!
