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Plate of easy garlic cheese pasta with herbs and cheese topping

Easy Garlic Cheese Pasta

A quick and satisfying pasta dish featuring a creamy garlic cheese sauce, perfect for weeknights or when cravings hit.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter For a rich, velvety base
  • 3-4 cloves crushed garlic To infuse the dish with an alluring aroma
  • 1 heaped tablespoon flour For thickening the sauce
  • 1-1½ cups milk Adds creaminess to the sauce
  • ½ cup cream Optional, enhances the sauce's texture
  • 2 cups grated cheese A mix of mature cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan recommended
  • 1 handful fresh parsley Chopped, for freshness and color
  • 1 squeeze fresh lemon juice To brighten the dish
  • to taste salt and pepper Enhance overall flavors
Pasta
  • 500 grams pasta Cooked, reserving 1 cup of cooking water for the sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt the butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the crushed garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute, making sure not to burn it.
  3. Sprinkle in the flour while continuously whisking to create a roux.
Cooking
  1. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and free of lumps.
  2. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for five minutes.
  3. Once thickened, turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon juice until cheese is melted.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, mixing to coat evenly.
  2. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta cooking water until desired consistency is achieved.
  3. Serve immediately, garnished with more parsley if desired.

Notes

For added depth of flavor, add red pepper flakes with the garlic. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. To save time, cook the pasta in advance. Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli can enhance the dish's nutritional value.