Quick Pasta with Cream & Garlic

By classycook

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. dried spaghetti
• 1 Tbsp. butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 c. heavy cream
• salt
• 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta in boiling, salted water according to package instructions.

While the pasta cooks, heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add butter and when it's hot, add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and gently saute until garlic is softening but not browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cream and a generous sprinkle of salt. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring a few times, then remove from heat and set aside.

When pasta is done, just before draining it, reserve 2 Tbsp. of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and add the garlic cream, Parmesan cheese, pasta cooking water, a sprinkle of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss until sauce is creamy and pasta is coated. Serve immediately with more cheese, if desired.