1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Make the Sauce
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown!).
- Pour in heavy cream (or milk) and ½ cup pasta water. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Combine & Finish
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Stir in fresh parsley or lemon zest (optional).
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
Delicious Variations
- Chicken Alfredo: Add 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- Shrimp Scampi Cream: Sauté 1 lb shrimp in garlic butter first
- Vegetable-Packed: Stir in spinach, peas, or roasted mushrooms
- Vegan: Use olive oil, nutritional yeast, and cashew cream
Serving Suggestions
- 🥖 Classic: With garlic bread and a green salad
- 🍷 Elevated: Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
- 🌿 Fresh finish: Top with microgreens or basil
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes! Use whole milk and add an extra 2 tbsp Parmesan for richness.
Q: Sauce broke—what do I do?
A: Remove from heat, whisk in 1 tbsp cold butter or a splash of pasta water.
Q: Gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use GF pasta and ensure Parmesan is GF (some contain anti-caking agents).
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Best fresh—but reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
The Secret to Perfect Creamy Pasta
It’s not about heavy cream—it’s about emulsification:
- Starchy pasta water binds fat (butter/cheese) and liquid into a smooth sauce.
- Low heat prevents cheese from clumping.
- Freshly grated cheese melts evenly—no gritty sauce!
❤️ The Bottom Line
This creamy pasta isn’t just easy—it’s elegant in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and one pot, you create a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting.
So boil that pasta, grate that cheese, and cook with confidence. Because sometimes, the best meals aren’t complicated—they’re creamy, garlicky, and ready before the bread toasts.
“Good food doesn’t need a menu—it just needs a pot and a hungry heart.” 🍝✨