Elevate Your Dinner With This Easy Parmesan Cheese Pasta Recipe

To make Parmesan cheese pasta, cook your choice of pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Saut garlic in olive oil or butter, add heavy cream, and stir in grated Parmesan until melted. Combine the pasta with the sauce, seasoning to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and herbs.

Parmesan cheese pasta is a rich and creamy dish that combines al dente pasta with a luscious sauce made from heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The pasta is first cooked in salted water and then drained, reserving some pasta water for the sauce. Garlic is saut ed in olive oil or butter before adding the cream, which is then combined with the melted Parmesan to create a smooth sauce. The cooked pasta is tossed in this creamy sauce, ensuring it's evenly coated. For added flavor, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan and fresh herbs for an extra touch.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 200 grams of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cooking the Pasta:

• Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt (about 1-2 tablespoons) to season the pasta.
• Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water helps to create a creamy sauce.
• Drain: Drain the pasta and set it aside. Do not rinse, as the starch helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.

2. Making the Sauce:

• Heat Oil or Butter: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
• Saut Garlic: Add the minced garlic and saut for about 1 minute until fragrant, but do not let it brown, as this can make it bitter.

3. Combine Cream and Cheese:

• Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Allow the cream to heat through for about 2-3 minutes, simmering gently.
• Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the cream, stirring continuously until melted and well combined. The sauce should be creamy and smooth.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

4. Mix Pasta and Sauce:

• Add Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
• Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

5. Garnishing and Serving:

• Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired.
• Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Perfect Parmesan Cheese Pasta:

• Pasta Choice: While any pasta works, long strands like spaghetti or fettuccine hold the creamy sauce well.
• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add saut ed vegetables (like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes) or proteins (like grilled chicken or shrimp) to enhance the dish.
• Leftovers: If the pasta thickens after sitting, reheat gently with a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.

Enjoy your delicious Parmesan Cheese Pasta, a comforting and satisfying dish that is quick and easy to make.