Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Caprese Salad

This recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti paired with a classic Caprese Salad is the perfect combination of rich, comforting pasta and a fresh, vibrant salad. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce coats the spaghetti in a luscious, savory blanket, while the Caprese salad offers a refreshing contrast with its juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. This meal is ideal for a quick yet indulgent dinner that satisfies both the need for comfort and the desire for fresh, healthy ingredients.

Main Ingredients (Spaghetti)

  • Spaghetti: 250 g (8.8 oz)
  • Butter: 40 g (1.4 oz)
  • All-Purpose Flour: 20 g (0.7 oz)
  • Milk: 500 ml (2 cups)
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Hard Parmesan Cheese: 70 g (2.5 oz), grated
  • Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Salt, Ground Black Pepper, and Dried Ground Nutmeg: To taste

Salad Ingredients (Caprese Salad)

  • Tomato: 1 large
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz)
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: A few
  • Vegetable Oil: A drizzle
  • Balsamic Sauce: A drizzle

Instructions

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water—this is crucial for seasoning the pasta from within. Add 250 g of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, meaning the pasta should be firm to the bite but cooked through. This typically takes around 8-10 minutes.

Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it, but make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water can be used later to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Set the spaghetti aside while you prepare the sauce.

2. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a large skillet, melt 40 g of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and begins to sizzle, add the minced garlic (about 4 cloves). Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Next, stir in 20 g of all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. The roux will serve as the base for your creamy sauce, helping it to thicken as it cooks.

Gradually whisk in 500 ml of milk, pouring it in slowly while whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Continue whisking and cooking the sauce until it begins to thicken, which should take about 5 minutes. The sauce should be smooth and velvety.

Once the sauce has thickened, add 70 g of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. At this stage, season the sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and a pinch of dried ground nutmeg to taste. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that complements the richness of the cheese.

3. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This step ensures the sauce clings to each strand of spaghetti without being too heavy.

Allow the spaghetti and sauce to cook together for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors. The heat will help the pasta absorb some of the sauce, making the dish more cohesive.

4. Serve

Serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti hot, with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. The rich, savory flavor of the sauce is perfectly complemented by the al dente spaghetti, making each bite a delightful experience.

For the Caprese Salad

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by slicing 1 large tomato and 100 g of mozzarella cheese into even, round slices. The tomato should be ripe and juicy, while the mozzarella should be fresh and soft for the best flavor.

2. Assemble the Salad

On a serving plate, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern, creating a visually appealing presentation. Tuck a few fresh basil leaves between the slices of tomato and mozzarella. The basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that is essential to a traditional Caprese salad.

3. Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle the salad with a bit of vegetable oil and balsamic sauce. The oil adds a touch of richness, while the balsamic sauce brings a sweet and tangy flavor that ties all the ingredients together.

Serve the Caprese Salad alongside the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti. The freshness of the salad provides a beautiful contrast to the richness of the pasta, making this a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Information

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

  • Servings: 2
  • Calories: Approximately 680 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 9g

Caprese Salad

  • Servings: 2
  • Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 4g

This meal is a perfect balance of indulgent and fresh flavors. The creamy, garlicky pasta is comforting and rich, while the Caprese salad provides a light, refreshing complement. Together, they create a harmonious dining experience that is both satisfying and nutritious.

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