If you ever crave a pasta dish that wraps you in pure comfort with every bite, this Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe is going to become your new best friend. The uniquely shaped radiatore pasta is perfect for grabbing onto that luscious, garlicky, cheesy sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s both rich and satisfying without being overwhelming. It’s a dish that strikes the ideal balance between simple ingredients and extraordinary flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of creamy, sharp, and savory notes. These essentials work together to create a sauce that clings beautifully to the radiatore, enhancing both texture and flavor with every forkful.
- 12 oz radiatore pasta: The star of the dish, its ruffled ridges capture every drop of creamy sauce like a dream.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic’s bite.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with that irresistible aromatic flavor that defines this recipe.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the velvety, luxurious base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved): Used to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle kick to balance the creaminess.
- Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing every flavor layer.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a hint of heat if you like a little spice.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish with color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the radiatore pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, following the package’s recommended time because you want that satisfying bite—not mushy pasta. Save half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this liquid gold will help your sauce come together beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, and toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook just until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, making sure not to brown or burn it because that would overpower the delicate cream sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer, stirring as it warms up. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese and black pepper, watching as the sauce thickens into a luscious coating. If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of your reserved pasta water will loosen it perfectly to your liking.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now for the magic moment—add the drained radiatore directly into the skillet with your creamy sauce. Toss it well to ensure every curve holds onto that garlicky Parmesan goodness. Let it simmer together for another minute or two, then taste, adjust salt if needed, and remove from heat.
How to Serve Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a mild herbal brightness that complements the creamy sauce splendidly. For those who enjoy a subtle kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives the dish just enough heat to make each mouthful exciting.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines best alongside crisp green salads dressed with lemon vinaigrette or lightly roasted vegetables, both providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs wonderfully, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce that clings to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz up this recipe, try folding in sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach right into your sauce to add earthiness and a touch of green. Grilled chicken or peas make it more substantial if you’re feeding guests with bigger appetites. Serve it in warm bowls to keep everything cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Since the sauce tends to thicken when chilled, it’s best to stir in a little bit of cream or milk before reheating to bring back its luscious texture.
Freezing
This Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe doesn’t freeze well because cream-based sauces can separate. For best results, enjoy it fresh or stored briefly in the fridge rather than freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water as needed. Microwaving is possible but watch closely to avoid drying it out or overheating the sauce, which can cause it to separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of radiatore?
Absolutely! While radiatore is ideal for holding creamy sauces, you can substitute with other ridged or shaped pastas like rotini, cavatappi, or fusilli to achieve a similar effect. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content, but keep in mind the sauce may be a little less rich and silky. Using less butter or cheese also lightens the dish without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits are excellent additions that turn this creamy pasta into a full meal. Just cook your protein separately and mix it in at the end.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Low and slow is the secret. Cook garlic over medium or medium-low heat and watch carefully—it only takes a minute or two to release its aroma, and burning will make it bitter.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a little bit of the reserved pasta water or more cream to loosen it. The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce bind nicely to the pasta without becoming watery.
Final Thoughts
This Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Simple ingredients combine to create something deeply satisfying and memorable—ideal for cozy nights in or whenever you want to impress without hassle. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your pasta repertoire!
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Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce recipe offers a luscious, comforting dish featuring ridged radiatore pasta coated in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, the sauce is enriched with butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz radiatore pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the radiatore pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly over about 3 to 4 minutes. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked radiatore pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss well to coat every bite evenly. Let it simmer together for another 1 to 2 minutes to marry the flavors. Taste and season with salt as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Notes
- Radiatore pasta’s unique ridges capture the creamy sauce perfectly, enhancing every bite.
- For a heartier meal, add sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, grilled chicken, or peas into the sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add more reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it up.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest texture.
