How To · ingredients
How to Make Pasta Sauce Creamy Without Heavy Cream
Practical alternatives for making pasta sauce creamy without heavy cream, including ricotta, mascarpone, cottage cheese and pasta water.
Heavy cream is convenient, but it is not the only way to make a smooth pasta sauce.
Ricotta
Ricotta works especially well in lemon, herb and vegetable sauces. Stir it with hot pasta and a little reserved pasta water rather than boiling it aggressively.
Mascarpone
Mascarpone makes tomato sauces rich and silky. Add it over low heat near the end of cooking.
Cottage cheese
Blended cottage cheese can create a smooth sauce base. Blend it completely before adding it to hot pasta.
Parmesan plus pasta water
Finely grated parmesan and starchy pasta water can create a glossy sauce when tossed off the heat.
Pureed vegetables
Cooked zucchini, broccoli, pumpkin or cauliflower can add body and a creamy texture without relying on cream.
The key technique
Whatever substitute you choose, keep the heat controlled and add pasta water gradually.
