Description
This 10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta is a quick, creamy, cozy weeknight dinner made with simple pantry ingredients. It’s rich, buttery, garlicky, and coated in a silky Parmesan cream sauce — the perfect last-minute meal that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until warm. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes silky and clings to the noodles.
- Cook for another minute, then taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon for extra protein.
- For a lighter version, use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Stir in a handful of spinach or peas for added freshness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American