Italian Cheese Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal effort.

2. Cheesy Delight: A blend of Parmesan and mozzarella creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

3. Customizable: Add proteins, veggies, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.

4. Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, it’s a delicious meal that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 300g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until smooth and melted.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Season with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the sauce.

5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.

• Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes.

• Spice: For extra heat, sprinkle in more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as rigatoni or farfalle.

2. Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, try Asiago, fontina, or Gorgonzola for a different flavor profile.

3. How do I make this lighter?

Use whole-grain pasta and substitute heavy cream with milk or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this dish is already vegetarian, but you can add grilled vegetables for extra flavor.

5. How can I make this spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Italian Cheese Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory flavors. With its simple ingredients and quick prep time, it’s a dish the whole family will enjoy. Add your favorite protein or veggies for a more customizable meal, or keep it simple for a satisfying comfort food experience.

Italian Cheese Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Italian Cheese Pasta combines gooey cheese, savory garlic, and tender pasta in a creamy sauce that’s easy to make in just 25 minutes. A perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minute
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

300g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)

2 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Salt to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   Add heavy cream to the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until smooth and melted.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Season with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Variations:

Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra protein.

Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added flavor.

Spice: For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper.

---

Storage/Reheating:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.