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- 250g tagliatelle pasta - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon - A pinch of red pepper flakes For this creamy garlic tagliatelle, you need a few key items. The tagliatelle pasta forms the base of your dish. Use fresh pasta if you can. It cooks faster and tastes better. Next, minced garlic brings a strong flavor. You need four cloves for a bold taste. Heavy cream is the key to that rich texture. It makes the sauce smooth and luscious. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. Grate it finely so it melts well into the sauce. For cooking, extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter work together. They create a rich base for the garlic. Season your sauce with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. This enhances all the flavors. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. If you want a zesty twist, add lemon zest. Red pepper flakes can spice things up if you like heat. With these ingredients, you can create a delicious pasta dish that pleases any crowd. Enjoy the cooking process and the tasty results! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Cook the tagliatelle for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. - Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir for 3-4 minutes. - Add 1 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly. - Toss the drained tagliatelle in the sauce until well-coated. - Cook on low heat for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors. - Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. To get that smooth, creamy texture, use pasta water. Save about a cup of it before draining the pasta. This water has starch that helps thicken the sauce. When your sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the pasta water. Stir it in slowly until you reach the right creaminess. Timing is key when cooking garlic. Sauté it for just 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant and golden, not burnt. Burnt garlic can ruin your dish with a bitter taste. After adding the cream, taste your sauce before seasoning. Balance the salt and pepper to make the flavors pop. For an elegant touch, twirl the tagliatelle on the plate. Use a fork to create a beautiful nest. Add a lemon wedge next to the pasta. This not only looks nice, but it also adds a fresh zing. You can squeeze some lemon juice over the dish right before eating. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor of your sauce significantly compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water; it’s great for adjusting the sauce’s consistency and helps it cling to the pasta better. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the tagliatelle until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the sauce. Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for added depth of flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your creamy garlic tagliatelle. Grilled chicken brings a nice texture and flavor. Just slice it thin and toss it in before serving. Shrimp also works well. Cook shrimp in the same skillet for a quick and tasty addition. For a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach. Both add great taste without meat. Want to jazz up your dish? Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy kick. Chop them finely and mix them in with the garlic. You can also use different cheese options. Try using goat cheese for a creamy tang or a mix of mozzarella for stretchiness. Both will change the flavor and make it fun! If you need gluten-free pasta, there are many options. Look for rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta. They cook well and taste great. For dairy-free ingredients, you can swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Nutritional yeast is a great cheese substitute. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the dish delicious for everyone. Store your creamy tagliatelle in the fridge for up to three days. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Before storing, let it cool to room temperature. This helps avoid excess moisture that could make it soggy. When reheating, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to keep the sauce creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze creamy tagliatelle for up to two months. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. To thaw, move it to the fridge for several hours or overnight. For a quick thaw, you can use the microwave on low power. Once thawed, reheat it in a skillet, adding a bit of cream or water to restore the creamy texture. Creamy garlic tagliatelle can last in the fridge for about three days. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat it on a low heat to keep it creamy. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or cream. Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free! Use a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try a dairy-free cheese blend. This will keep the flavors while making it suitable for dairy-free diets. Creamy garlic tagliatelle pairs well with a simple green salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp make great additions. Absolutely! While tagliatelle is great, you can use fettuccine or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. The creamy sauce works well with many shapes and sizes. This article covered the key ingredients for creamy garlic tagliatelle, including pasta and cheese. I explained step-by-step how to cook the pasta and prepare the sauce. We also explored tips for texture and flavor, plus variations to suit your needs. As you make this dish, remember that cooking is about experimenting. Feel free to tweak flavors or ingredients, making it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey with creamy tagliatelle!

Creamy Garlic Tagliatelle

A rich and creamy pasta dish with garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g tagliatelle pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • to taste sea salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • a pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the tagliatelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • In a large skillet, combine the olive oil and butter, heating over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be cautious not to let it burn, as it can turn bitter.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir continuously for about 3-4 minutes, or until the cream starts to thicken slightly.
  • Gradually incorporate the finely grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy mixture, stirring until it melts completely and becomes smoothly integrated. If the sauce feels too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.
  • Season your rich sauce with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) for a touch of heat. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
  • Gently add the drained tagliatelle into the skillet, using tongs or a spatula to toss the pasta until each strand is well-coated in the creamy garlic sauce.
  • Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on low heat. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully together.
  • Serve the creamy tagliatelle immediately, garnishing each plate with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if you desire.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, twirl the tagliatelle onto plates using a fork before serving, and add a lemon wedge for an extra pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Keyword creamy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta