Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (I love using fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups whole milk (feel free to substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a lighter touch)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. I always think of Mama Lou here, who said butter is the heart of any good sauce—it’s what gives it soul. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it brown too much.
- Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes; this step is crucial for thickening your sauce without lumps.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. The sauce will start to thicken gently—this part always reminds me of Ouma’s patience in the kitchen as she’d stir and tell stories at the same time.
- Add the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until it’s creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand or piece is luxuriously coated. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. This final touch brings a pop of color and freshness, much like the vibrant conversations around Mama Lou’s table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
