Simple Cheese Sauce for Pasta

01Method

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until tender but still firm to the bite, following package directions. Reserve one to two cups of the cooking liquid, then drain the pasta.

2. 2

   In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and gently warm the garlic for about half a minute without browning. Add the cream cheese and reserved cooking liquid to the pan. Whisk constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and emulsified.

3. 3

   Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and continue whisking until fully combined. Season with fresh black pepper and salt to taste. Remember that the cheese contributes significant saltiness, so adjust seasoning carefully.

4. 4

   Remove the skillet from heat. Toss the cooked pasta with the fresh herbs into the sauce, using tongs to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy mixture.

5. 5

   If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with additional reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creamy consistency.