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Pasta Fresca Recipe

Pasta Fresca Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

This Pasta Fresca recipe is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and a hint of cream. It’s a light and flavorful option perfect for quick weeknight dinners, offering the comforting essence of homemade pasta with a fresh, vibrant twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup white wine (optional, can sub with vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Make the sauce base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Deglaze with white wine or broth, simmering until reduced slightly.
  3. Add cream and cheese: Lower heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, butter, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer gently until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained pasta into the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture.
  5. Finish fresh: Toss in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for a protein boost.
  • Swap cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta Fresca, Italian pasta recipe, creamy pasta, fresh herb pasta

Find it online: https://mbeams.com/pasta-fresca-recipe/