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Creamy Comfort Pasta Recipe with Heavy Cream for Ultimate Indulgence

Creamy Comfort Pasta Recipe with Heavy Cream for Ultimate Indulgence - Featured Image
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Learn how to make delicious pasta recipe heavy cream. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (fettuccine, penne, or bowtie work beautifully)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (feel free to substitute half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional but adds a lovely fresh note)

Growing up, Mama Lu never fussed over exact measurements — she’d say, “A pinch of this, a splash of that, and a whole lot of love.” But when you’re starting out with cream-based pasta, these quantities help you find that perfect balance between richness and flavor.

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until just al dente — usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is a secret weapon that Mama Lu would have called “liquid gold” for tying sauces together.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned. Garlic is one of those simple flavors that can transform a dish, and I always think of Mama Lu’s gentle hands as she’d coax flavor from humble ingredients.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go to combine. Let the cream warm through for about 3 to 4 minutes — you want it hot but not boiling.
  4. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency. This step is all about patience and feeling the sauce come alive, much like the slow rhythms of a farmhouse Sunday afternoon.
  5. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Taste and adjust as needed — seasoning is where you make the dish your own.
  6. Toss the drained pasta directly into the sauce, making sure every strand or piece is coated in that luscious cream. If needed, add a touch more pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, and a little extra Parmesan if you like. There’s nothing quite like a hot plate of creamy pasta to bring people together, and this is a dish that invites you to slow down and savor every bite.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/pasta-recipe-heavy-cream/