Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly coated pasta, draped in a velvety, rich white sauce that makes your taste buds dance with pure culinary delight. This Italian-inspired Creamy White Pasta Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a transformative dining experience that turns an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. With just a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes of your time, you'll create a sauce so decadent and smooth, it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: olive oil, minced garlic, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers, but do not let it smoke.
- Add the minced garlic to the saucepan. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Once the garlic is ready, pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine with the garlic and olive oil, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- As the cream begins to simmer, gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust according to your preference. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning.
- Once the sauce is well combined and creamy, remove it from heat. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of pasta cooking water or additional cream.
- To serve, pour the creamy white pasta sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-packaged, pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect sauce texture.
- Control your heat carefully when sautéing garlic. Medium heat is key—too high, and it burns; too low, and it doesn't develop that golden, fragrant flavor.
- If your sauce becomes too thick, don't panic! Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid is perfect for thinning out your sauce while adding extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half the heavy cream with milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Experiment with additional herbs like basil or thyme to customize your sauce's flavor profile.
- Always add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, silky texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 371kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
