Hey y'all! If you're craving a comforting, restaurant-style dinner at home, this Creamy Italian Pasta with Parmesan and Basil is about to become your new favorite. Silky noodles tossed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, finished off with nutty Parmesan and fresh basil, make this dish a total crowd-pleaser—perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Italian Pasta with Parmesan and Basil
- It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick dinner.
- The creamy sauce is rich yet light, thanks to a perfect balance of cream and cheese.
- Fresh basil adds brightness and a classic Italian touch to every bite.
- Simple, accessible ingredients make this both budget-friendly and utterly delicious.
- It’s easily customizable for vegetarians or meat lovers alike!
Ingredients for the Best Creamy Italian Pasta with Parmesan and Basil
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (90g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Step-by-Step Directions for Creamy Italian Pasta with Parmesan and Basil
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, then bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
4. Toss Pasta and Add Basil
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Stir in chopped basil and lemon zest (if using). Continue tossing for 1-2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to cling to every noodle.
5. Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta, garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!
Notes for the Perfect Creamy Italian Pasta with Parmesan and Basil
- For the best flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded varieties. Learn more about cheese grating benefits.
- If your sauce thickens too much, add more reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh basil for that authentic Italian taste. Tips for buying great olive oil.
Variations on Creamy Italian Pasta with Parmesan and Basil
- Chicken Alfredo: Add sliced, sautéed chicken breast for extra protein.
- Vegetarian Delight: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for more veggies and flavor.
- Spicy Shrimp: Quickly sear peeled shrimp in olive oil and toss in just before serving for a seafood twist.
Required Equipment for Creamy Italian Pasta with Parmesan and Basil
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for Parmesan
Storage Instructions for Creamy Italian Pasta with Parmesan and Basil
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring until creamy again. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula salad.
- Pair with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette for sopping up extra sauce.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for an Italian-inspired meal.
Pro Tips for the Creamiest Italian Pasta
- Always reserve some pasta water; it helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles. Why pasta water matters.
- Use room-temperature cream and milk to prevent curdling when adding to the hot pan.
- Finish the pasta in the sauce over low heat for 1-2 minutes to ensure every strand is coated and creamy.
FAQs for Creamy Italian Pasta with Parmesan and Basil
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! This recipe works well with linguine, penne, or any of your favorite shapes.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes, simply substitute with your preferred gluten-free pasta and prepare as directed.
- How can I make it lighter?
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the Parmesan slightly for a lighter but still creamy dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pasta cooking water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: extra Parmesan and basil for garnish
Instructions
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1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
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2While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
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3Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
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4Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
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5Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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