Description
Creamy pasta dinners are rich, comforting meals featuring tender pasta coated in a smooth, flavorful cream-based sauce, often combined with proteins or vegetables for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cooked chicken or mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup spinach (optional)
- 1/4 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cooked chicken or mushrooms if using, and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth.
- Add spinach and let it wilt.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well.
- Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Avoid boiling the sauce to prevent curdling.
- Add shrimp or bacon for variation.
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired