Spicy Garlic Cream Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 8 oz spaghetti
• Parmesan cheese (extra, for finishing; quantity to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain while hot, reserving a little pasta water if desired, and set the pasta aside.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, place a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the unsalted butter and melt it gently without allowing it to brown.

3. 3

   Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté over medium-low heat until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds; do not let the garlic darken or burn.

4. 4

   Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. 5

   Add the freshly grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk gently until the cheese is incorporated and the sauce is smooth.

6. 6

   Continue simmering gently for 5–7 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce is thick, silky, smooth, and glossy. Keep the heat moderate so the cream does not boil aggressively.

7. 7

   Add the hot cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Toss thoroughly until every strand is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a small amount of reserved pasta water.

8. 8

   Finish with extra Parmesan and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

The written description does not specify how to cook the spaghetti, so cook it according to the package directions until al dente before tossing it with the sauce. Serve immediately for the glossiest sauce. The chicken broth makes the dish non-vegetarian; vegetable broth can be used as a substitution if desired.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• Italian-inspired
• vegetarian-option
• spicy
• quick meal
• stovetop
• comfort food