Description
This creamy spaghetti sauce is a luscious blend of butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and velvety sauce that elevates any pasta dish. Quick and easy to prepare, it is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and pairs beautifully with chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, or vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the noodles.
- Sauté garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Create roux: Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste without lumps.
- Add liquids: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while continuously whisking to combine into a silky sauce.
- Incorporate seasonings: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts completely and sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Simmer sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to further thicken and develop flavor, stirring occasionally.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce until noodles are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to thin it to desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving to add freshness and extra flavor.
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, ensuring a creamier sauce.
- For added protein, try mixing in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.
- To make a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk and a small amount of cream cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
