When it comes to cream sauce and pasta, nothing beats this Creamy Mascarpone Parmesan Pasta! The creamiest of them all, this sauce is prepared with both mascarpone and parmesan cheese, seasonings, and fresh lemon juice. Topped with toasted breadcrumbs for taste and texture, this quick and easy meal is simply delicious!
450gramspasta, cooked according to package instructions, drained well, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water
8ouncesmascarpone cheese
1/2cupparmesan cheese,grated
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonground black pepper
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
1/2teaspoononion powder
2tablespoonsparsley,chopped
1/2teaspoondried red chili flakes,optional
1cuppanko bread crumbs
2tablespoonsolive oil
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain well, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, add the panko breadcrumbs and the olive oil to a skillet. Stir well over medium heat. Toast the breadcrumbs until they are lightly browned and crunchy. Transfer the breadcrumbs to a plate to cool.
Next, in a large skillet, over medium heat, add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, along with the mascarpone cheese, lemon juice, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and dried red chili flakes. Stir, warming thoroughly until the ingredients come together to form a creamy sauce.
Once the sauce is creamy, add in the parmesan cheese and stir well.
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to mix with the sauce.
Add the parsley and continue to cook until the pasta is reheated. At this point, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water if you prefer a thinner sauce. Toss well to incorporate.
Add half of the toasted breadcrumbs, stir to incorporate, and turn off the heat.
Plate and top with some of the remaining breadcrumbs. Garnish optionally with parsley, parmesan, and more chili flakes.