Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce Over Pasta
Indulge in the creamy, garlicky goodness of this Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce Over Pasta—a luxurious and satisfying dish that’s both simple to prepare and full of flavor. Featuring a velvety sauce made from a buttery roux, rich heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe achieves the perfect balance of savory richness and subtle garlic aroma. Tossed with your favorite pasta, this dish is a family-friendly favorite that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal, and don’t forget a sprinkle of dried parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Whether you use fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti, this recipe is a surefire way to turn pantry staples into an irresistible comfort food masterpiece.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 12 ounces pasta of choice (e.g., fettuccine, spaghetti, penne)
- 1 gallon water for boiling pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should turn a light golden color.
Slowly add the milk and heavy cream to the skillet, whisking continuously to combine until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
Garnish with dried parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
610 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.5 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.3 g | 127% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 123 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 2279 mg | 99% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.7 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 21.5 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 490 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 237 mg | 5% | |
*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.
