Creamy Garlic Parmesan Macaroni

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)

For garnishing:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.
   2. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

   1. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
   3. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
   4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
   5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
   6. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and dried Italian seasoning (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   1. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
   2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is thickened to your liking.

4. Serve:

   1. Transfer the creamy garlic Parmesan macaroni to serving dishes.
   2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

5. Optional Baking:

   1. For a baked version, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Transfer the macaroni and sauce mixture to a greased baking dish.
   3. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.