Easy Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Indulge in this quick and reliable creamy pasta dish, designed for busy weeknights when you crave restaurant-quality comfort food. By using a classic roux method, this recipe ensures a velvety, stable sauce that perfectly coats al dente penne. The blend of fragrant garlic, savory parmesan, and a splash of bright lemon creates a sophisticated flavor profile that is completely alcohol-free. It is a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly dinner that delivers consistent, delicious results every single time.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon of starchy pasta water and drain the rest of the pasta.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream while whisking constantly.
- Stir in the lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water to the sauce, tossing until thoroughly coated and heated through.
Notes
Ensure you use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for the best melting texture. You can substitute the penne with other shapes like rotini or fusilli if preferred. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 14gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 480mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
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