pasta cream sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pasta cream sauce recipe

I’ve been making pasta cream sauce for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a classic Italian dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always excited to taste the finished product.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it with pasta, as a side dish, or even as a main course. I like to make a big batch on Sundays and reheat it throughout the week for a quick and easy meal. The cream sauce is made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, which gives it a rich and creamy texture that my family just can’t get enough of.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s actually pretty good for you – the heavy cream is high in fat, but the butter and Parmesan cheese add some flavor without adding too many extra calories. Plus, you can use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives if you prefer. I like to serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad to balance out the richness of the sauce.

My family loves when I make this for special occasions like holidays or birthdays – it’s always a hit! And the best part is that it’s so easy to customize – you can add different herbs and spices to give it your own personal touch. I’ve even added some cooked chicken or bacon to make it more substantial.

This recipe has been passed down through generations of Italian cooks, and I’m so glad I can share it with you today.

Classic Creamy Pasta Sauce

4.6 from 1357 votes

A rich and velvety cream sauce that clings perfectly to any pasta. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients to create a luxurious meal in minutes.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For Serving

12 ounces dried pasta (fettuccine or penne)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes.
3Reserve 1/2 cup of the 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 cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6Do not let the garlic brown.
7Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
8Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
9Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
10Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce.
11Toss everything together with tongs until the pasta is evenly coated.
12If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
13Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
14Serve immediately while hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 17g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or steamed broccoli to make it a complete meal.

Watch Video Of How Classic Creamy Pasta Sauce Works

This pasta cream sauce recipe is a staple in our household because it’s easy to make and always delicious. It’s perfect for special occasions like holidays or birthdays, but also works well for everyday meals when we’re short on time.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it with pasta, as a side dish, or even as a main course. One thing I love about this recipe is that it freezes well – simply portion out individual servings and freeze them until ready to reheat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Pasta Sauce

Q1: What type of pasta works best with cream sauce?

A: You can use any type of pasta you like, but I find that long, thin shapes like fettuccine or spaghetti work best because they allow the sauce to coat evenly.

Q2: Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream or even non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or soy milk if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Q3: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

A: To prevent the sauce from curdling, make sure to heat it slowly over low heat and whisk constantly until it thickens. You can also add a little bit of cornstarch or flour to thicken it up if needed.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating it until ready to serve.

Q5: What are some variations on this recipe?

A: There are many variations on this recipe – you can add different herbs and spices like basil or oregano, or even some cooked meat like chicken or bacon. You can also add some grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added nutrition.

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