Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy spaghetti, where each strand is perfectly coated in a velvety sauce that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. Spaghetti a la Crema isn't just a dish—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavor that will make your dinner guests swoon and your family beg for seconds. Get ready to discover the secret to the most indulgent, restaurant-quality pasta you can create right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- spaghetti
- heavy cream
- parmesan cheese
- garlic
- butter
- salt
- pepper
- parsley
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: spaghetti, heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, butter, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Ensure that your parsley is chopped finely for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. This will be used for cooking the spaghetti.
- While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the saucepan with the garlic. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- As the cream simmers, add 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat once done.
- By now, the water should be boiling. Add the spaghetti to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Return the drained spaghetti to the pot over low heat. Pour the creamy sauce over the spaghetti and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the spaghetti a la crema hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season your spaghetti from the inside out.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for the most authentic and rich flavor.
- Watch your garlic carefully when sautéing; golden is good, but brown means bitter—so keep it on low heat.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce over low heat to help it absorb the creamy goodness and prevent separation.
- For an extra touch of luxury, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to your cream sauce for a subtle, sophisticated flavor boost.
- Serve immediately after mixing to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and most luxurious texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg