Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz dry pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or rotini)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Step 2: Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Add the dry pasta, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine and ensure the pasta is submerged.
- Step 3: Bring the liquid to a rapid boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese vigorously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Step 5: Allow the pasta to rest uncovered for 2-3 minutes; the residual heat will further thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving immediately with an optional garnish of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Since the pasta continues to absorb the sauce as it cools, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, adding a tablespoon of broth or milk before sealing to help maintain moisture.
- When reheating individual portions, add a splash of heavy cream or broth to the pan while warming over low heat, stirring constantly to re-emulsify the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
- For a balanced meal, serve this comforting dish alongside a simple green salad dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the garlic and cream.
- To achieve the best mellow flavor without bitterness, ensure you only sauté the minced garlic until it is just fragrant—about 60 seconds—and immediately add the broth, as browned garlic will overpower the final dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx.)
- Calories: 610
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Protein: 5g