Garlic Cream Fettuccine from California Pizza Kitchen features tender fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, delivering a creamy, savory, and aromatic Italian-inspired dish.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
- Ladle or pasta fork
- Serving bowls or plates
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Fresh garlic is essential to achieve the rich and aromatic flavor that defines the garlic cream sauce, so be sure to use fresh cloves rather than pre-minced garlic. Heavy cream and whole milk provide the creamy texture, making it important not to substitute with low-fat alternatives to maintain the sauce's richness. Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for optimal taste and to help the sauce thicken properly. Fresh parsley and basil add a bright and herbal finish, so use vibrant, freshly chopped herbs rather than dried ones. You can recreate the indulgent taste of the Garlic Cream Fettuccine from California Pizza Kitchen with these key ingredients in your kitchen.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta using a colander.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and whole milk; whisk to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the cream sauce.
- If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in chopped parsley and basil.
- Divide garlic cream fettuccine among serving bowls or plates.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
Substitution
Garlic Cream Fettuccine from California Pizza Kitchen copycat menu can be easily adapted if you need to substitute ingredients in your kitchen. If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder or roasted garlic paste can be used to preserve the dish's flavor profile. You may replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream for a lighter sauce without compromising creaminess. Parmesan cheese can be swapped with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different but complementary taste. Your fresh herbs such as parsley and basil can be substituted with dried Italian seasoning if fresh herbs are not on hand.
Tips
When boiling fettuccine, salt the water generously to enhance the pasta's flavor from within. Reserve pasta water before draining--it contains starch that helps loosen your garlic cream sauce without watering it down. Finely mince garlic to ensure it infuses the sauce evenly without overpowering the dish; saute it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. When adding Parmesan cheese, gradually incorporate it off the heat or on very low heat to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth, creamy texture in your sauce.
Nutritions
Garlic Cream Fettuccine is calorie-dense due to the heavy cream, whole milk, and Parmesan cheese, providing a rich source of fats and protein. This dish offers a significant amount of calcium and vitamins A and D from the dairy ingredients, contributing to bone health. The fresh herbs like parsley and basil add antioxidants and vitamins C and K, enhancing its nutritional value. Your meal also contains carbohydrates from the fettuccine pasta, fueling your body with energy.
Storage
Store leftover Garlic Cream Fettuccine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore the creamy sauce consistency. Avoid freezing, as dairy-based sauces like the garlic cream can separate and lose texture when thawed.
Variation or Alternatives
For a lighter variation, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk to reduce richness without compromising creaminess. You can enhance flavor by roasting the garlic cloves before mincing, which adds a subtle sweetness and depth to your garlic cream sauce. To add texture and a bit of protein, consider tossing in cooked shrimp or grilled chicken slices before serving. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese, rather than pre-grated, will yield a smoother sauce and better melting consistency for your fettuccine.
Allergies
The Garlic Cream Fettuccine contains common allergens such as dairy from heavy cream, whole milk, unsalted butter, and Parmesan cheese, which can trigger reactions in lactose-intolerant or milk-allergic individuals. The dish also includes wheat-based fettuccine pasta, posing a risk for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. You should be cautious if you have allergies to any of these ingredients to avoid potential allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Garlic Cream Fettuccine from California Pizza Kitchen offers a rich, velvety sauce made with roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese, delivering a perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors. Its fresh fettuccine pasta provides a satisfying texture that complements the robust sauce, making each bite indulgent and comforting. You will appreciate the harmony of decadent ingredients combined to create a dish that feels both gourmet and approachable. Recreating this copycat recipe allows you to enjoy a beloved restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home, enhancing your culinary repertoire with a timeless Italian favorite.