Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mind-blowing Italian masterpiece! This creamy vegetarian pasta isn't just another recipe - it's a symphony of rich, velvety flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. With just 30 minutes between you and pure gastronomic bliss, this dish promises to become your new go-to comfort meal that looks like it was crafted by a professional chef.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of your choice of pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- After the garlic is ready, reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine the garlic and cream, allowing the mixture to heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Do not let it come to a boil.
- Next, gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired creaminess.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the pasta sit for a minute to absorb some of the sauce. While it rests, chop fresh parsley for garnish.
- Serve the creamy vegetarian pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure your pasta is perfectly seasoned from within.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most authentic and rich flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness.
- Watch your garlic carefully while sautéing - golden is delicious, but burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the entire dish.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water is liquid gold for creating silky, clingy sauces that coat every pasta strand.
- For an extra luxurious touch, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh cracked black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 100mg
