Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup cooked chicken (grilled or shredded)
- ½ cup cooked shrimp
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- ½ cup steamed broccoli
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
1. 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 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Base
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese
Slowly add the parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts completely into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Toss in the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until the noodles are fully coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to soak into the pasta.
6. Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g