Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz Radiatore pasta (or any short pasta): The star of the show, Radiatore’s shape is perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp butter: For richness and flavor in the sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: To add depth to the sauce without making it too heavy.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): For a touch of aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to that rich, velvety sauce.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): To give the sauce that cheesy, savory goodness.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth): To balance out the richness of the cream and create a luscious, smooth sauce.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional): For a little fresh, herby finish and color.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Radiatore Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. You want your water to taste like the sea (it helps season the pasta while it cooks).
- Add the Radiatore pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes for al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tbsp of butter and 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and the oil to warm up.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden (but not burnt).
- Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring it in with the garlic mixture. Let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken up slightly.
- Next, stir in 1/4 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you prefer). This adds a savory depth to the sauce without making it too heavy.
- Add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese melts into the cream. You should see the sauce becoming nice and creamy at this point.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. You may need more or less depending on the saltiness of your broth and cheese, so taste and adjust accordingly.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked Radiatore pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that every piece of pasta is coated in that dreamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta even better.
- Let everything cook together for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the pasta absorb all that rich sauce.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Once everything is perfectly combined, remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for anyone who likes it extra cheesy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 14g