Introduction
Indulging in a creamy pasta dish is one of life’s simple pleasures, and this rich fettuccine or pappardelle with a garlic Parmigiano Reggiano sauce is no exception. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– ½ cup butter
– 3 cloves garlic
– ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package of fettuccine or pappardelle pasta
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
This straightforward recipe highlights the rich flavors of butter and cheese, combined with the aromatic essence of garlic. As you prepare the pasta and the sauce, the kitchen will fill with inviting aromas, setting the stage for a delightful meal. Enjoy this scrumptious dish with your favorite protein or as a standalone pasta sensation.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over very low heat. Add the whole garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. If you plan to serve this sauce with pasta, now is the time to start cooking it. In a separate pot, add water and a generous pinch of salt, then bring it to a boil.
Step 2
Once the garlic is fragrant, remove the garlic cloves from the butter. Next, add the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth to the saucepan. Bring this mixture to a very gentle simmer while whisking to incorporate the ingredients. Let it simmer over low heat for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Step 3
Add the finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to the sauce. Continue whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper according to your preference.
Step 4
Toss the cooked fettuccine or pappardelle pasta with the sauce while keeping the heat on low. Ensure that the sauce clings to the pasta as desired. Alternatively, you can spoon the sauce over a protein or vegetables of your choice.
Notes
Note 1
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like basil or parsley to the sauce before serving.
Note 2
Make sure to reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta; it can be added to the sauce if you need to loosen it up.
Note 3
If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the cream and broth.
Cook techniques
Melt Butter
Melt butter over very low heat to prevent burning and achieve a fragrant base for your sauce.
Infuse Garlic
Cook whole garlic cloves in melted butter to infuse flavor, removing them afterward to maintain a smooth sauce.
Simmer Gently
Add broth and heavy cream to the butter, bringing to a very gentle simmer to combine flavors without boiling.
Whisk to Incorporate
Whisk the mixture continuously to ensure that all ingredients blend smoothly and achieve a creamy consistency.
Thicken Sauce
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken before adding cheese for the best texture.
Add Cheese
Incorporate finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano slowly into the sauce, whisking until fully melted for a rich flavor.
Toss with Pasta
Combine cooked pasta with the sauce over low heat to ensure the sauce clings beautifully to each strand.
Serve Over Proteins or Vegetables
Alternatively, use the sauce as a topping for proteins or vegetables to enhance their flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Gruyère, but it may alter the flavor.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding herbs, such as basil or parsley, or spices like red pepper flakes, to enhance the sauce.
How can I make this sauce lighter?
To lighten the sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute some broth for cream.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, by using vegetable broth and omitting any meat, this recipe becomes vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and reheated gently before serving; just add a bit of cream or broth for consistency.
Conclusion
Indulging in a creamy, garlicky pasta dish is a delightful experience that can be easily achieved with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe highlights how butter, cream, and cheese come together to create a luxurious sauce that complements various types of pasta perfectly. Whether enjoyed as a main course or paired with a protein, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Substitute the broth with shrimp stock and add cooked shrimp for a delicious seafood twist.
Vegetable Fettuccine Alfredo
Incorporate sautéed seasonal vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini into the pasta for a colorful and nutritious meal.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Add grilled or pan-seared chicken breast slices to the pasta for a hearty and protein-packed dish.
Fettuccine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Herbed Mushroom Fettuccine
Sauté mushrooms with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley before adding them to the sauce for an earthy, aromatic touch.
Spicy Garlic Pasta
Incorporate red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a spicy kick that will elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
Classic Carbonara
Swap out the heavy cream for an egg and cheese mixture to achieve the signature creamy texture of traditional carbonara.
Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
Add lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the dish.
