Description
This corkscrew pasta recipe features a luscious, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that perfectly coats the spiral-shaped noodles, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. The sauce is made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan, creating a smooth and velvety texture. It’s a comforting dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with added protein like chicken or shrimp.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz corkscrew pasta (fusilli, cavatappi, or rotini)
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp
- 1 cup spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corkscrew pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Sauté the Garlic – In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Make the Sauce – Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Add Parmesan and Seasonings – Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Combine with Pasta – Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. If using any optional add-ins like chicken, shrimp, or spinach, stir them in now and let them heat through for 2-3 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy – Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.
Notes
Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta water helps thicken the sauce and makes it stick better to the pasta.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well, so always use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth texture.
Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use milk with a bit of cornstarch for a lighter version.
Protein Options: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta to make it heartier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: corkscrew pasta, creamy garlic Parmesan pasta, cavatappi pasta, fusilli recipe, easy pasta dish, Italian comfort food