Creamy Garlic Parmesan White Pasta Sauce Recipe
A quick and creamy white pasta sauce that is silky, comforting, and endlessly versatile. Ready in 10 minutes, this base recipe is perfect for creating all your favorite creamy pasta dishes, offering a smooth, cheesy sauce with a hint of garlic and a touch of optional lemon to balance the richness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 generous servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 220 grams dried pasta (½ pound)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil)
- 2 – 3 cloves garlic, very finely diced or minced
- ¾ cup cream (double cream, heavy or light cream all work)
- 50 grams Parmesan, very finely grated with a microplane or box grater
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil, then add the pasta. Under-cook by one minute so it can finish cooking in the sauce without becoming overdone. Reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Fry the garlic. In a large frying pan, heat the butter over medium heat. Gently fry the minced garlic for one minute without browning it to keep its delicate flavor.
- Add cream and simmer. Pour in the cream, reducing the heat to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from breaking.
- Incorporate Parmesan. Gradually add the finely grated Parmesan in two or three batches, stirring and allowing it to melt completely between each addition for a smooth sauce.
- Season and thicken. Stir in the black pepper and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, toss well to coat, and let it bubble gently for another 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Add lemon juice. Stir in the optional lemon juice to brighten the sauce and balance its richness. Start with ½ tablespoon if unsure.
- Serve. Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Pasta portions here serve two generous servings; weighing pasta ensures perfect sauce ratios.
- Salt the pasta water well to enhance the flavor and seasoning of the dish.
- Use good-quality Parmesan, finely grated, for the best melt and flavor.
- Double, heavy, or light cream all work; adjust with pasta water for desired consistency.
- Lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through creaminess, use it carefully to avoid curdling.
- This sauce is a versatile base—add pan-fried chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like peas, spinach, or broccoli to customize.
