Description
This Creamy Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, smooth, and savory Italian-American sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and simple seasonings. It’s a quick and versatile sauce that elevates ordinary spaghetti into a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. This sauce pairs wonderfully with chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, or vegetables for added flavor and protein.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Serving
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for another minute while whisking constantly. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Use reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving warm.
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, enhancing sauce texture.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
- To make a lighter version, substitute whole milk and a bit of cream cheese for the heavy cream.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
