If you're craving a dish that perfectly combines creamy richness with the comforting embrace of pasta, look no further than **Espagueti a la Crema**! This delightful Mexican recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 25 minutes from start to finish—but it also transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal that will impress your family and friends. Imagine twirling al dente spaghetti coated in a silky cream sauce, accented by the nutty flavor of Parmesan and the freshness of parsley. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, gather your ingredients: 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Also, prepare salt and pepper to taste, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, reduce the heat to low.
- Slowly pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine it with the melted butter. Allow the mixture to warm up for about 2-3 minutes, but do not let it boil.
- Gradually add the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Add the drained spaghetti directly to the saucepan with the cream and cheese sauce. Toss the spaghetti gently in the sauce until it is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired creaminess.
- Season the spaghetti with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Once everything is well combined, remove the saucepan from heat. Transfer the creamy spaghetti to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Espagueti a la Crema warm!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook your spaghetti until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. This ensures the perfect texture.
- Cheese Choice: For a richer flavor, consider using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated. It melts better and enhances the overall taste.
- Sauce Consistency: If your cream sauce becomes too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help achieve that desired creamy consistency without losing flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the dish. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables to the dish. This not only boosts the flavor but also makes it more filling.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve your Espagueti a la Crema with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 488kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 93mg
