Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping, supremely comforting dish that can be whipped up in under thirty minutes, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Silky noodles tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce packed with golden garlic and crowned with fresh parsley—there’s nothing not to love here! Whether you need a simple weeknight meal or an impressive side for guests, this pasta hits every note of savory satisfaction, and it’s so easy you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of classic ingredients transform into something so decadent and crave-worthy. Each component has its own simple role, working together to make Garlic Parmesan Pasta an unforgettable favorite.
- Pasta: 12 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti are ideal—their thickness grabs the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Just 2 tablespoons lend a rich base and help bloom the garlic flavor without overpowering it.
- Olive Oil: One tablespoon adds fruity depth and ensures your butter won’t burn as you sauté the garlic.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced—plenty to infuse the whole sauce with aromatic warmth. Go fresh for the best flavor!
- Parmesan Cheese: One cup, grated—not pre-shredded, as freshly grated melts silkily for this dish.
- Heavy Cream: Three-quarters of a cup delivers the signature luxurious body to the sauce.
- Reserved Pasta Water: Half a cup, saved from boiling the noodles, helps loosen and perfect the sauce’s texture.
- Black Pepper: A half teaspoon balances the richness and adds a gentle kick.
- Salt: Add to taste—remember the Parmesan is salty, so start light and adjust as needed.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for optional garnish; it brightens the flavors and gives a cheerful pop of green.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Before draining, ladle out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—this is pasta sauce magic! Drain the noodles and set aside, so they’re ready to dive right into the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for just a minute or two, stirring constantly—your kitchen will fill with the heady aroma of garlic, but don’t let it brown. You want sweet, mellow garlic, not bitterness here.
Step 3: Creamy Sauce Time
Pour in the heavy cream and let it warm until small bubbles begin to appear at the edges of the skillet. Give it a gentle stir and reduce the heat slightly. The idea is to bring it to a low simmer, not a raging boil—this keeps the cream from curdling and ensures a lush, velvety sauce for your Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy garlic base. Use tongs to toss the noodles and get them evenly coated in that dreamy sauce. Now, start sprinkling in the grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time, tossing continuously so it melts smoothly. Add splashes of reserved pasta water as you go until the sauce coats every strand like a silky, shiny blanket. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt, tasting as you go—you want everything to sing!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat, and if you’re feeling fancy, shower the finished pasta with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot, creamy, and irresistible. There you have it—a bowl of Garlic Parmesan Pasta that rivals any restaurant version!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
When it comes to this pasta, a simple sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders for both flavor and appearance. If you want to amp things up, try a dusting of extra grated Parmesan, a few cracks of black pepper, or even ribbons of basil. Each garnish not only adds color but also a fresh element that balances the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Pasta loves good company! Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the creamy sauce. Garlic bread (yes, double garlic!) is always a winner, and roasted veggies or sautéed mushrooms make amazing sides, turning dinner into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve individual portions of Garlic Parmesan Pasta twirled into neat nests and topped with a Parmesan shard. Hosting a crowd? Set up a “pasta bar” with bowls of grilled chicken, shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and extra cheese, so everyone can customize their plates. Or take it picnic-style—pack the pasta in jars for a whimsical al fresco meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have some Garlic Parmesan Pasta left over, transfer it to an airtight container once cooled. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but that’s easily fixed during reheating.
Freezing
Cream-based pastas don’t always freeze perfectly, but you can still stash leftovers in the freezer if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to reduce ice crystals. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight, and be prepared to stir in a splash of cream or milk when reheating to restore the original creamy texture.
Reheating
To rewarm Garlic Parmesan Pasta, either microwave it in short increments (stirring in between) or gently heat on the stovetop over low. Add a few tablespoons of milk or cream as it heats, stirring often—this brings the sauce back to life. Be careful not to overheat, or the cheese can separate and turn grainy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese for this recipe?
It’s best to use freshly grated Parmesan for Garlic Parmesan Pasta, because it melts much more smoothly and gives the sauce its signature silkiness. Pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty or clumpy.
Is there a lighter version of this dish?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk (with a touch of flour to thicken, if needed). The sauce will be a little less rich, but still super satisfying and tasty.
What kinds of pasta work best?
Fettuccine and spaghetti are classics for Garlic Parmesan Pasta thanks to their texture and ability to hold onto the creamy sauce, but feel free to use linguine, penne, or even rigatoni if you prefer. It’s a versatile sauce that loves almost any noodle.
Can I add protein to make it a meal?
Definitely—add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken slices, or even roasted vegetables to turn Garlic Parmesan Pasta into a hearty main course. Stir them in just before serving so they stay tender and juicy.
How do I prevent the sauce from clumping or separating?
The key is to add the Parmesan gradually while tossing constantly, and keep the sauce over low heat. If things thicken too much, just add a little reserved pasta water or milk. Don’t rush, and you’ll end up with a perfect, creamy consistency every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about the combination of tender noodles, zesty garlic, and creamy Parmesan. Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the kind of dish you’ll reach for whenever you need a comforting meal that still feels a little bit special. Try it once and you’ll see—it’s simply unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to experience this classic and make it your own!
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Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter and oil, add cream, simmer, then add Parmesan until creamy.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved water if needed.
- Season and Serve: Season with pepper and salt, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
