Easy Creamy Pasta Anyway You Like It
Indulge in the ultimate customizable comfort food with this Easy Creamy Pasta Anyway You Like It recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty, this dish delivers a velvety, Parmesan-infused sauce that clings to your choice of pasta—be it penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Crafted with simple pantry staples like garlic, butter, and milk (or heavy cream for an indulgent upgrade), the recipe also allows you to get creative with optional add-ins such as juicy shrimp, tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, or vibrant spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy pasta is as versatile as it is delicious, making cleanup a breeze while satisfying even the pickiest eaters. Don’t forget the fresh parsley or basil garnish for a pop of color and flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta (penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup optional add-ins (e.g., cooked chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic, whisking constantly to form a roux. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.
Gradually pour in the milk (or heavy cream), whisking continuously to ensure there are no lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
If using optional add-ins (e.g., cooked chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes), stir them into the sauce and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. If the sauce looks dry, stir in more pasta water as needed.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1670 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.3 g | 81% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.8 g | 174% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 368 mg | 123% | |
| Sodium | 4246 mg | 185% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 132.2 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.6 g | ||
| Protein | 142.4 g | 285% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 1523 mg | 117% | |
| Iron | 5.2 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 1569 mg | 33% | |
*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.
