Ingredients
– 500 grams (16 oz) rigatoni pasta This forms the hearty base and holds the sauce well.
– 3 tablespoons (40 grams) unsalted butter Melted to start the sauce and add richness.
– 1 tablespoon chunky minced garlic Cooked until golden for aromatic flavor.
– 1/4 teaspoon salt Used to season the garlic and enhance the overall taste.
– 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream Added to create the velvety texture of the sauce.
– 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese Stirred in to melt and thicken the sauce perfectly.
– 1/2 cup (125 ml) starchy pasta water Reserved from cooking the pasta to achieve a creamy consistency.
– Black pepper to taste For garnishing and adding a touch of spice.
– Additional parmesan cheese as needed For extra topping and flavor boost.
– Chopped parsley (amount as desired) Used for fresh garnish before serving.
Instructions
1-First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 500 grams (16 oz) of rigatoni until it’s al dente, which takes about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup (125 ml) of that starchy water before draining it helps blend the sauce smoothly.
2-Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons (40 grams) of unsalted butter and add 1 tablespoon of chunky minced garlic along with 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
3-Cook the garlic until it softens and turns golden, which only takes a minute or two, to build that savory base.
4-Then, pour in 1 cup (250 ml) of heavy cream and let it heat on low for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
5-Gradually stir in 1 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and combined, creating that irresistible creamy texture.
6-Once the sauce is ready, gently toss in the cooked rigatoni along with the reserved pasta water to make everything extra smooth without damaging the pasta tubes.
7-For the final touch, garnish with black pepper, more parmesan, and chopped parsley. If you’re adding extras, like vegetables from a similar recipe such as baked ziti, mix them in during the last step.
Last Step:
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🧄 Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor intensity.
🧀 Gradually add parmesan cheese to avoid clumping and achieve a smooth sauce.
🍝 Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency while keeping pasta intact.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving