Creamy Tagliatelle Recipe: A Simple, Delicious Pasta Dish
This creamy tagliatelle recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It's quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This guide will walk you through each step, providing tips and tricks to ensure your tagliatelle is perfectly creamy and delicious every time. We'll also explore variations to customize the dish to your liking.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Adjust quantities as needed for larger servings.
- Pasta: 250g fresh tagliatelle (or dried)
- Butter: 50g unsalted butter
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Cream: 200ml heavy cream (or double cream)
- Parmesan Cheese: 50g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Nutmeg: A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Optional additions: Cooked pancetta or bacon, sauteed mushrooms, spinach, peas – get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tagliatelle and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained tagliatelle to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Season and Finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to ensure everything is well combined.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a grind of black pepper.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Tagliatelle:
- Use Fresh Pasta: If possible, use fresh tagliatelle. It cooks faster and has a more delicate texture.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key to a great dish. It should be firm to the bite.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamier sauce.
- Low and Slow: Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent it from separating or burning.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese tastes far superior to pre-grated cheese.
Variations:
- Pancetta or Bacon: Add diced pancetta or bacon to the skillet with the garlic for extra flavor and richness. Cook until crispy before adding the cream.
- Mushroom Tagliatelle: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the cream.
- Spinach and Pea Tagliatelle: Add a handful of fresh spinach and some frozen peas to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Tagliatelle: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
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This creamy tagliatelle recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Enjoy!
