Cheese & Pasta

Ingredients

  • 400g (14 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream (or milk) and bring to a simmer.
  3. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese, and cook until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
  2. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

4. Serve:

  1. Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
  2. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice (optional).

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken for extra flavor and protein.
  • Swap mozzarella for goat cheese or ricotta for a different cheesy twist.