Creamy Pasta is a rich and comforting dish made with tender pasta coated in a velvety, creamy sauce. This versatile recipe can be customized with your favorite ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, or vegetables, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
- Deliciously creamy and satisfying
- Easily customizable with proteins and veggies
- Great for both kids and adults
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, and let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Veggie Addition: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Herb Twist: Add fresh basil, parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any pasta shape works well, from spaghetti to penne or even bowtie pasta.
2. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
Make sure to add Parmesan cheese off the heat and stir continuously until it melts smoothly.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute with gluten-free pasta.
4. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be thinner. You can thicken it with a bit of flour or cornstarch if needed.
5. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use light cream or milk, whole wheat pasta, and add plenty of vegetables.
6. What cheeses work best for a creamy sauce?
Parmesan is classic, but you can also mix in Romano, Asiago, or a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.
7. Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or even leftover turkey work well in this dish.
8. How do I keep the pasta from getting too soft when reheating?
Reheat gently and avoid overcooking. Add a bit of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
9. What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of pasta water, milk, or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
10. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat just before serving for best results.
Conclusion
Creamy Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that delivers a rich and delicious meal in minutes. With its silky, cheesy sauce and endless customization options, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, it always delivers satisfying flavor and texture!
PrintCreamy Pasta
This creamy pasta recipe features tender pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite type)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
-
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until it begins to simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
-
Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
-
Optional Add-Ins:
- Stir in baby spinach and cherry tomatoes until the spinach wilts slightly.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for a more filling meal.
- Vegetarian Tip: Use vegetable broth instead of pasta water for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy.