Creamy Italian Pasta
Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of Creamy Italian Pasta, a comforting dish that takes your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. Featuring tender penne pasta coated in a luscious homemade Alfredo-style sauce made with butter, garlic, whole milk, and heavy cream, this recipe is elevated with the nutty, savory taste of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make in just 30 minutes. Customize your dish by adding succulent shrimp, tender chicken, or vibrant vegetables for extra flair and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing an effortless weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this creamy pasta recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g Penne pasta
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 200 g Optional: Cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
If adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, fold them into the sauce at this stage to heat through.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3948 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 208.3 g | 267% | |
| Saturated Fat | 113.3 g | 566% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 713 mg | 238% | |
| Sodium | 4828 mg | 210% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 331.5 g | 121% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.7 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.7 g | ||
| Protein | 179.1 g | 358% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.6 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 2009 mg | 155% | |
| Iron | 18.5 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 2205 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
