Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta: A Comforting Delight

Nothing says comfort quite like garlic parmesan pasta. Imagine a steaming bowl of perfectly cooked pasta, glistening with melted parmesan and fragrant garlic wafting through the air, inviting you to dig in. It’s the kind of dish that wraps around you like a warm hug, making even the gloomiest days feel a bit brighter.

This dish has a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made it for my friend’s dinner party; I was so nervous that I undercooked the pasta. Spoiler alert: everyone still loved it! Garlic parmesan pasta is perfect for cozy nights in or lively gatherings, promising an explosion of flavor with every bite.

I made this dish for my family last week, and their delighted faces were priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Spaghetti or fettuccine works best; choose your favorite type for delightful textures.

• Fresh Garlic: Use at least four cloves; fresh garlic delivers bold flavors that jarred options can’t match.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own for a fresher taste; the aroma will fill your kitchen with happiness.

• Butter: Unsalted butter creates a rich base without adding extra salt; it’s essential for that creamy texture.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor while helping to achieve the perfect sautéed garlic.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a hint of freshness; chop it finely for best results.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors and make everything sing!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. When boiling, add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember, tender yet firm is key!

Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown—this usually takes about 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is done cooking, reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining it. Add drained pasta directly to your skillet with garlic, tossing well to coat every strand with flavor.

Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the pasta while tossing vigorously—this allows it to melt beautifully into a creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Toss in Parsley and Seasoning: Finally, add chopped parsley along with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything one last toss to combine all those amazing flavors beautifully!

Enjoy serving this delightful dish hot while savoring its incredible aromas wafting through your home!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta first; while it cooks, melt butter and sauté minced garlic in a separate pan for perfect flavor integration.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the parmesan for pecorino or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to elevate your dish’s flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of water for moisture.

Sometimes I whip up garlic parmesan pasta when I’m short on time, and my friends rave about it! Their compliments always remind me of its simplicity and charm.

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for garlic parmesan pasta?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works beautifully in this recipe without sacrificing taste.

What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with any hard cheese like pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

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Garlic Parmesan Pasta

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic parmesan pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked spaghetti or fettuccine coated in a creamy sauce of garlic and parmesan, creating a delightful fusion of tastes and aromas. This quick and easy recipe will impress your family and friends, making it an instant favorite at your dinner table. Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or at a lively gathering, this dish is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction with every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. 2. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes).
3. 3. Combine: Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with garlic.
4. 4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the pasta while tossing until melted into a creamy sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
5. 5. Finish: Stir in chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For added flavor, substitute parmesan with pecorino cheese or enhance with vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat on the stove with a splash of water.