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Creamy Garlic Parmesan White Pasta Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 7 reviews

This White Pasta Sauce recipe offers a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce that perfectly complements dried pasta. The sauce is made by gently frying garlic in butter, simmering it with cream and Parmesan, and finishing with a touch of black pepper and optional lemon juice for brightness. It’s a quick and elegant dish ideal for a comforting meal, taking just 15 minutes to prepare and serving two.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 220 grams dried pasta (1/2 pound)
  • Salt (to taste for boiling water)

For the Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil)
  • 2 – 3 cloves garlic (very finely diced or minced)
  • 3/4 cup cream
  • 50 grams Parmesan cheese (very finely grated with a microplane or star side of a box grater)
  • 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook, undercooking by about one minute so it finishes cooking in the sauce without becoming mushy. Before draining the pasta, reserve one cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Heat butter over medium heat in a large frying pan. Add the finely minced garlic and gently fry for about one minute without browning it to prevent bitterness.
  3. Simmer Cream: Pour the cream into the pan with garlic and reduce heat to maintain a very gentle simmer. Avoid boiling the cream to keep the sauce smooth.
  4. Add Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan in two or three batches, stirring and allowing it to melt completely between additions to create a creamy sauce.
  5. Season and Thicken: Stir in the black pepper and about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Let the sauce gently simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the partially cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well to coat and allow it to bubble gently for a minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning with a big pinch of salt if needed.
  7. Add Lemon Juice: If using, stir in the lemon juice to cut through the richness of the sauce. Start with 1 tablespoon or 1/2 tablespoon if unsure, mixing thoroughly.
  8. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Undercooking the pasta slightly ensures it finishes perfectly in the sauce and prevents it from becoming mushy.
  • Do not brown the garlic to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
  • If lemon juice is used, start with less and add more to taste to balance the creaminess without overpowering.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
  • This sauce is best served immediately to enjoy its creamy texture.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-white-pasta-sauce-recipe/