Save to Pinterest This comforting dish features tender pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and melted Parmesan cheese. Garlic adds a fragrant depth, while fresh parsley and black pepper provide refreshing and spicy notes. The sauce’s creamy texture balances perfectly with al dente pasta, creating a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and ideal for any occasion. Adding reserved pasta water ensures the sauce clings prettily to each strand, enhancing every bite.
I still remember the first time I made this creamy pasta—how the kitchen filled with the gentle aroma of garlic and butter, wrapping me in a warm hug after a long day. It quickly became my go-to comfort dish for those evenings when only something rich and soothing would do.
I’ll never forget the surprise visit from old friends when I whipped this up last minute—it was like magic how easily it pulled the night together.
Ingredients
- Pasta: I always reach for fettuccine for its perfect surface area to hold the sauce, but spaghetti works beautifully too
- Butter: Unsalted lets you control the salt level just right, and it gives the sauce that lush richness
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds just the right punch without overpowering the cream
- Heavy cream: This is key to the velvety texture that makes the sauce so comforting
- Parmesan and Pecorino: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor depth; pecorino is optional but adds a lovely sharpness
- Black pepper and salt: Season to taste, balancing the creamy richness
- Parsley: Chopped fresh to brighten up the dish just before serving
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Fill your largest pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. The sound of the bubbling water and the scent of salt in the air feels like a promise of good things to come.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the pasta and cook it until perfectly al dente—still firm when you bite. Don't forget to save some of the pasta water before draining, it’s the little trick to silky sauce.
- The Part Where Magic Happens:
- Melt butter in a warm skillet, then gently sauté the garlic until fragrant and golden but not browned—this subtle aroma is pure comfort. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer softly, stirring in the cheeses until everything melts into a smooth, luscious sauce. Toss the drained pasta in, adding reserved water bit by bit if the sauce feels thick, watching it cling beautifully.
- Final Touches:
- Season with salt and a good grinding of black pepper. Stir in fresh parsley, then plate it with extra Parmesan on top for that perfect finish.
Save to Pinterest This dish became more than just food during a cozy winter celebration where everyone lingered around the table long after the plates were empty, sharing stories and laughter warmed by the creamy pasta’s comfort.
Keeping It Fresh
Always use fresh herbs like parsley right at the end; it adds a pop of color and freshness that lifts the rich sauce beautifully.
When You're Missing Something
No Parmesan? Pecorino alone does the trick, or even a bit of Asiago in a pinch—just adjust salt carefully since some cheeses are saltier.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
I love pairing this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad or a glass of chilled white wine—it balances the richness perfectly.
- Don’t forget to save some extra grated cheese for table garnish
- If you like a little heat, sprinkle cracked red pepper flakes on top
- Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of cream or milk to bring back that silky texture
Save to Pinterest Thanks for stopping by and sharing this kitchen moment with me—hope your creamy pasta turns out just as comforting and delicious!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta is best for creamy sauces?
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Long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and offer a pleasant texture.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses in the sauce?
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Yes, Parmesan is the key for flavor, but adding pecorino or other hard cheeses can enrich the sauce’s taste and texture.
- → How can I adjust the sauce thickness?
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Incorporate reserved pasta cooking water gradually to loosen the sauce until it reaches the desired creamy consistency.
- → What herbs complement this pasta dish?
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Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarian diets?
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Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly as it includes dairy but no meat ingredients.
- → Can additional proteins be added?
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Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms can be stirred in for more protein and flavor variety.
