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Easy Creamy Homemade Pasta Recipe for Perfect Cozy Date Night

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A simple and creamy homemade pasta recipe that’s quick to make and perfect for cozy date nights, featuring tender fresh pasta and a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (about 250g)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 75g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the pasta dough (15-20 minutes): In a large bowl, mound the flour and create a well in the center. Crack in the eggs, add olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork to gently whisk the eggs, gradually pulling in the flour from the edges. When it starts to come together, use your hands to knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
  2. Rest the dough (30 minutes): Wrap the dough ball tightly in plastic wrap or cover with a damp cloth. Let it rest at room temperature to relax the gluten, which makes rolling easier and the pasta tender.
  3. Roll and cut the pasta (10-15 minutes): Divide the dough into two portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a thin sheet (about 1-2 mm thick). Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into fettuccine strips roughly ¼ inch (6 mm) wide. Toss gently with a bit of flour to prevent sticking.
  4. Cook the pasta (3-4 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh pasta and cook until al dente, usually 2-3 minutes. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so watch closely. Drain and reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining completely.
  5. Prepare the creamy sauce (5-7 minutes): While pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute, don’t let it brown). Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
  6. Toss and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if using, and serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.

Notes

If dough feels tough while rolling, let it rest longer. Avoid overcooking fresh pasta to keep it tender but springy. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For gluten-free, swap flour with gluten-free blend plus xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use coconut or cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, date night dinner, fresh pasta, creamy sauce, garlic butter sauce