Creamy Garlic Cheesy Pasta

Ingredients

• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 60 g grana padano cheese or parmigiano-reggiano, grated
• 5 g flat leaf parsley, chopped (optional)
• 500 g pasta of choice
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 80 ml chicken or vegetable stock
• 400 ml heavy thickened cream
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• 10 cracks black pepper
• 120 g washed baby spinach (optional)
• extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Method

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, heavily season with sea salt flakes.
2. While waiting, grate 6 cloves of garlic and 60 g of cheese using a microplane or grater.
3. Add 500 g of pasta to boiling water and cook for one minute less than package instructions.
4. In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 teaspoon of olive oil over high heat.
5. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 40 seconds, stirring constantly.
6. Pour in 80 ml of stock and stir, allowing it to start boiling in about 20 seconds.
7. Add 400 ml of heavy cream, season with 1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes and 10 cracks of black pepper, and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
9. Stir in 120 g of washed baby spinach (optional) and cook until wilted.
10. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and transfer it into the sauce.
11. Add grated cheese and stir well, simmering for 1.5-2 minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
12. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, adding pasta water to thin if desired.
13. Serve in bowls, topped with extra cheese, parsley or basil (optional), cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.