easy cream pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy cream pasta recipe

I’ve been making this easy cream pasta recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. I love how the cream sauce coats the pasta perfectly, and the flavor is rich and indulgent without being too heavy.

My kids devour this dish, and I’m always happy to serve it up for them. In fact, this recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’ve even started serving it at family gatherings and potlucks.

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your taste by adding in different vegetables or meats. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables or meat from previous meals.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, but I never get tired of it. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or something to feed a crowd, this easy cream pasta recipe is sure to please.

It’s also relatively healthy compared to other pasta dishes, as long as you don’t overdo it on the cream sauce. As an added bonus, this recipe is also super quick to make – start to finish, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes.

Easy Cream Pasta

4.9 from 1339 votes

A quick and comforting pasta dish with a rich, creamy sauce made from simple ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need something satisfying in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz (340g) dried fettuccine or penne
1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

For the Cream Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta, then cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
4While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add the minced garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
6Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
7Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
8Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
9Season with black pepper and salt, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce.
11Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
12Cook over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the pasta is heated through and the sauce clings to each piece.
13Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley if using.
14Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet or saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 17g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 580mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but note the sauce will be thinner. Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sauteed mushrooms for extra protein. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

This easy cream pasta recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or something to feed a crowd at your next family gathering.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it reheats – simply warm it up gently over low heat until warmed through.

This makes it perfect for meal prep or serving at parties where food needs to be kept warm for an extended period.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Pasta

Q: What type of pasta works best with this cream sauce?

A: You can use any type of pasta you like with this cream sauce – spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, or even pappardelle work well. The key is to choose a shape that holds onto the sauce nicely.

Q: Can I use low-fat or non-dairy cream instead of heavy cream?

A: Yes, you can use low-fat or non-dairy cream as a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.

Q: How do I store leftover pasta?

A: You can store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently over low heat until warmed through.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to customize this recipe?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile – feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, meats, or spices to make it your own.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you omit any meat-based ingredients.

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