Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of Creamy Mascarpone Parmesan Pasta—a dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delightful meal that combines the lusciousness of mascarpone cheese with the nutty depth of Parmesan, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're planning a cozy dinner for two or a gathering with friends, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy. Get ready to discover the secrets to creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Mascarpone cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: pasta, mascarpone cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta of your choice (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Stir to combine.
- Lower the heat and add the mascarpone cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta, stirring until the cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Chop fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta, mixing gently to incorporate.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the pasta sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the creamy mascarpone Parmesan pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold onto the sauce well, such as fettuccine or penne, for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Adding a generous amount of salt to your boiling water is crucial. It’s the first chance to season the pasta, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Watch the Garlic: Sauté the garlic until just fragrant to avoid burning it, which can impart a bitter taste to your sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid is a game-changer for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, don’t hesitate to add more mascarpone or Parmesan. Just remember to balance with a bit of reserved pasta water if it gets too thick.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil for the best flavor. It adds a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the dish.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t hold back on garnishing with extra Parmesan and basil before serving. It not only enhances the presentation but also boosts the flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 437kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
