Description
This Creamy Spaghetti Sauce is a rich and smooth sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. It’s a quick and flavorful addition that turns simple spaghetti into a comforting and delicious meal, perfect for busy nights or special occasions, and pairs wonderfully with proteins like chicken or shrimp or vegetables.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Flour: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for an additional minute, whisking constantly to form a roux and eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Cream and Broth: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while continuously whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Toss Spaghetti in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce, tossing until it is evenly coated. Use some of the reserved pasta water, if needed, to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving to add freshness and extra flavor.
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, enhancing sauce texture.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.
- To make a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk combined with a bit of cream cheese.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
