Are you craving a luxurious pasta sauce that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen, but don't want to spend hours cooking? Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into a gourmet experience with this incredibly easy Creamy Herb Pasta Sauce! In just 15 minutes, you'll create a velvety, herb-infused sauce that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-worthy meal that's both impressive and effortlessly delicious.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp mixed fresh herbs (e.g., basil, parsley)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of mixed fresh herbs (such as basil and parsley), 1 clove of garlic (minced), and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine it with the sautéed garlic. Allow the cream to heat through, but do not let it boil.
- Once the cream is warmed, gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Next, add the mixed fresh herbs to the sauce, stirring well to incorporate them evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat. It can be served immediately over your favorite pasta, ensuring each strand is coated with the creamy herb sauce.
- For added flavor, you can garnish the pasta with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Creamy Herb Pasta Sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs can work, fresh herbs like basil and parsley will elevate the sauce's flavor and aroma dramatically.
- Control Your Heat: When sautéing garlic and heating cream, keep the temperature medium-low to prevent burning or curdling.
- Cheese Matters: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce. Pre-packaged grated cheese can result in a grainy texture.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Pasta Pairing: This sauce works beautifully with fettuccine, linguine, or any pasta with ridges that can hold the creamy sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this sauce in advance and gently reheat it, adding a splash of cream if it becomes too thick.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 100mg
