Classic 20-Minute Creamy Pasta Dinner
This creamy pasta dish comes together in just 20 minutes, offering a rich and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet or pan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz favorite pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work beautifully)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté chopped onion until translucent (3-4 minutes) and add minced garlic for one minute until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and simmer, then reduce heat, whisk in heavy cream, and gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add drained hot pasta to the skillet, toss to coat, and add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For an extra boost of flavor, consider roasting some cherry tomatoes or adding cooked chicken to the sauce. This recipe is highly adaptable to your pantry staples. Remember to taste and adjust seasonings as you go to achieve your perfect flavor balance.