Description
Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, savory, and easy-to-make comfort food that combines the richness of Parmesan cheese with the aromatic punch of fresh garlic. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this versatile pasta dish offers a luscious sauce coating perfectly cooked noodles, with options to customize with proteins, veggies, or a dairy-free twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 8 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling salted water and cooking your pasta until al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add finely minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
- Prepare the sauce: Slowly pour in heavy cream or milk, stirring constantly to combine with the butter and garlic. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen up the consistency and ensure every strand is coated.
- Garnish and serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness, then serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitter burnt bits.
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency.
- Simmer the sauce gently to achieve a rich and creamy texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, quick dinner, gluten-free pasta