Heavenly Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something magical about garlic parmesan pasta that whisks you away to a cozy Italian trattoria, where the aroma of garlic mingles with the rich scent of melted cheese. Picture this: a heaping plate of al dente spaghetti glistening under a blanket of creamy sauce, inviting you to dive in with abandon. You can almost hear the joyous clinking of forks and laughter echoing around the table as everyone indulges in this heavenly dish.

Now, let me take you back to that one dinner party where I decided to impress my friends with my culinary prowess by whipping up garlic parmesan pasta. Little did I know, they were more into takeout than home-cooked meals. But when that first bite hit their taste buds, it was like watching someone fall in love for the first time—eyes widening, smiles spreading, and an immediate request for seconds! Trust me; your family will be begging for more as they revel in the delightful flavors.

One unforgettable evening, I served this dish at a friend’s potluck—everyone was raving about it and begging for the recipe!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Pasta: Use your favorite type—spaghetti or fettuccine works best for soaking up that creamy sauce.

• Fresh Garlic: Opt for fresh cloves instead of powder; they deliver a punch of flavor that’s simply unmatched.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh for maximum creaminess and a rich flavor burst.

• Butter: A generous amount adds richness and helps create that luscious sauce.

• Cream: Heavy cream works wonders here for creating a silky texture.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its fruity notes that enhance the overall taste.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance out flavors perfectly.

• Parsley (optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.

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

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Sauté Garlic : In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter along with olive oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 1-2 minutes.

Add Cream and Cheese : Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined into a smooth sauce.

Toss Pasta into Sauce : Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat all strands evenly while adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.

Season It Up : Season generously with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for added flair.

Enjoy your delicious garlic parmesan pasta while it’s warm! Share it around the dinner table or savor it alone during a night in—it’s perfect either way!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make garlic parmesan pasta, start cooking your pasta first. While it boils, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add cream and cheese for a rich sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. You can also swap in different cheeses for varying flavor profiles, such as feta or goat cheese.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover garlic parmesan pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; they couldn’t believe how easy it was! The compliments kept rolling in, and I felt like a culinary genius.

FAQ

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

Yes, gluten-free pasta works just as well; just be careful not to overcook it.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even cashew cream for a lighter version.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply skip any meat additions and load up on vegetables for a hearty meal.

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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 creamy, indulgent dish that transports you to an Italian trattoria with every bite. This easy-to-make recipe combines al dente pasta, aromatic garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese in a luscious sauce, making it the perfect choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. With its delightful flavors and stunning presentation, this dish will have your family and friends asking for seconds.

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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
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Stir in heavy cream, then gradually mix in grated Parmesan until melted and combined.
4. Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
5. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling/Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: For added flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving. Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.