Creamy Garlic and Cheese Pasta
A simplified and decadent Italian-inspired recipe: pasta coated in a velvety crème fraîche sauce infused with golden garlic, topped with melted shredded cheese. A comforting dish ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
🛒 Ingredients
4 servings
- 14 oz pasta (penne or tagliatelle)
- 3/4 cup heavy crème fraîche (or sour cream)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3 oz shredded cheese (Parmesan or Swiss)
- Fine salt and ground black pepper
- Grated nutmeg (1 pinch)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Watch the original video
Watch on TikTokDirections
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/3 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- 2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes without burning, to release its subtle aromas.
- 3
Pour the crème fraîche into the skillet. Stir well and heat through without letting it boil. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- 4
Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss gently, lifting the pasta to coat it thoroughly. If the mixture is too dry, add a little of the reserved cooking water.
- 5
Remove from heat and stir in most of the shredded cheese (save some for the finish). Serve in bowls and top with the remaining cheese and fresh parsley.
💡 Chef's Tip
The secret to a good creamy sauce is to never let the cream boil—it could separate. Always reserve a little pasta water to adjust the consistency at the end of preparation. Serve immediately in warm bowls.
