Description
A comforting Italian-American dish featuring radiatore pasta tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, enhanced with garlic, shallots, and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this creamy pasta skillet recipe offers a deliciously hearty meal that pairs beautifully with fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz radiatore pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the radiatore pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft, careful not to brown the garlic.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Stir in the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the creamy radiatore pasta immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Radiatore pasta’s ridged shape holds creamy sauces exceptionally well, making it ideal for this dish.
- For added flavor and protein, consider mixing in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce version.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor quality.
