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A bowl of easy garlic cheese pasta topped with herbs and cheese.

Easy Garlic Cheese Pasta

A deliciously creamy and cheesy pasta dish with aromatic garlic, perfect for weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter Provides a rich base for the sauce.
  • 3-4 cloves garlic (crushed) Adds aromatic flavor.
  • 1 heaped tablespoon flour Helps thicken the sauce.
  • 1-1½ cups milk Use whole or reduced-fat for creaminess.
  • ½ cup cream Optional for added richness.
  • 2 cups grated cheese (assorted) A blend of cheeses for the best flavor.
  • 1 handful fresh parsley (chopped) Adds freshness to the dish.
  • 1 squeeze fresh lemon juice Balances the richness.
  • to taste Salt & pepper Enhances flavors.
For the Pasta
  • 500 g pasta of your choice (cooked) Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.

Method
 

Preparing the Sauce
  1. Begin by melting the butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the crushed garlic and fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute.
  3. Once aromatic, whisk in the heaped tablespoon of flour and cook for about a minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk until a smooth sauce forms.
  5. If using, slowly add cream, reduce heat, and let simmer for around 5 minutes.
  6. Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Combining with Pasta
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with a little reserved cooking water. Stir to coat evenly.
  2. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add more cooking water until you achieve the desired consistency.
  3. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Experiment with cheese selections and add protein like chicken or prawns. Spice it up with red pepper flakes if desired.