Cooking Instructions:

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Gradually pour in the cream or half and half, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.

Stir in the cheese in batches, allowing it to melt completely before adding more. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

If desired, stir in fresh herbs or additional ingredients like cooked chicken or vegetables. This dish can also be enhanced with optional add-ins such as roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and herbs if desired.

For extra tips, always verify your cream is at room temperature to prevent lumps when adding it to the sauce.

Additionally, remember to adjust the sauce's thickness using the reserved pasta water, and don't rush the cooking process; a gentle simmer will help thicken the sauce without risking separation.

Enjoy your creamy pasta dish and feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients!