Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Pasta is a beloved dish all around the world, and for good reason. It’s versatile, comforting, and can be incredibly delicious when prepared with the right ingredients and techniques. One classic pasta dish that never goes out of style is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta. This rich and flavorful recipe combines the creaminess of Parmesan cheese with the boldness of garlic to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
   • Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Add the Cream:
   • Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine it with the garlic and butter.
   • Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Parmesan:
   • Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, stirring continuously.
   • Continue to cook and stir until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce has thickened further. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
5. Season the Sauce:
   • Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as Parmesan cheese is naturally salty.
   • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked and drained pasta to the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in the skillet.
   • Gently toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce.
   • Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the creamy garlic Parmesan pasta to serving plates.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
8. Enjoy:
   • Serve your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta hot and savor the wonderful flavors.

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a delightful indulgence that’s perfect for pasta lovers and garlic enthusiasts. Its creamy texture and robust flavor make it a standout dish for any meal. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner for two or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite pasta dish in your culinary repertoire

Delicious Homemade Pasta Recipe

Pasta is a versatile and beloved dish enjoyed by people all around the world. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a go-to option for a quick and satisfying meal. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making delicious homemade pasta from scratch. Not only is it cost-effective, but the satisfaction of creating your pasta is unmatched. Let’s dive into the world of pasta-making!

 

Ingredients:

To make pasta from scratch, you will need:

For the Pasta Dough:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• A pinch of salt

For the Sauce (Basic Tomato Sauce):

• 4-5 ripe tomatoes
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment Needed:

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Knife or pasta cutter
• Large pot
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon

Instructions:

Making the Pasta Dough:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Start by cleaning your kitchen counter or a large flat surface. Dust it lightly with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt.
3. Mix and Knead: Using a fork or your fingers, gradually mix the eggs into the flour until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the pasta.

Rolling and Cutting the Pasta:

5. Divide the Dough: Unwrap the dough and cut it into smaller portions. Keep the portions you’re not using covered to prevent drying.
6. Roll It Out: Take one portion of the dough and flatten it with your hands. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a thin sheet. You can sprinkle some flour if needed to prevent sticking.
7. Cut Your Desired Shape: Once the dough is rolled out, use a knife or pasta cutter to cut it into your preferred shape. Common shapes include fettuccine, spaghetti, or lasagna sheets.
8. Let It Dry: Place the cut pasta on a clean, dry surface and let it air dry for about 15-30 minutes. This helps the pasta hold its shape when cooking.

Making the Tomato Sauce:

9. Blanch the Tomatoes: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Carefully add the tomatoes and blanch them for about 1-2 minutes. Remove them and let them cool. Then, peel off the skin, chop, and remove the seeds.
10. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In another saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until they become translucent.
11. Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes break down and become a sauce-like consistency.
12. Season: Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste. You can also add fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.

Cooking the Pasta:

13. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add salt to the boiling water.
14. Cook the Pasta: Gently drop the fresh pasta into the boiling water. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
15. Drain and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked to your preferred level of doneness, use a colander to drain it.

Serving Your Homemade Pasta:

16. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce. Toss it gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
17. Garnish: Serve your homemade pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Conclusion

Creating homemade pasta is a rewarding experience that elevates your dining pleasure. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy the delightful taste of fresh pasta. Experiment with different sauces and toppings to customize your pasta dish to your liking. Buon appetito!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for the pasta dough?

• Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added health benefits.

2. Can I make the pasta dough in advance and store it for later use?

• Absolutely! Wrap the pasta dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

3. What other sauces can I use with homemade pasta?

• You can get creative with sauces like Alfredo, pesto, or a creamy mushroom sauce.

4. Can I freeze fresh pasta?

• Yes, you can freeze fresh pasta for future use. Place it on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag.

5. How do I prevent my pasta from sticking together after cooking?

• After draining, you can toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking before adding the sauce.