Dreamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Comfort cooking reaches new heights with this irresistible creamy garlic parmesan pasta that promises to melt hearts and satisfy cravings.

Rich, velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta with intense flavor and luxurious texture.

Cheese lovers rejoice as parmesan adds a salty, sharp dimension to this classic dish.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of garlic’s warmth and cream’s silky smoothness.

Simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen.

Weeknight dinners transform from mundane to magnificent with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this decadent pasta sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 575 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Pasta: Choose a shape that holds sauce well like penne or fettuccine, ensuring even coating and delightful texture.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves provide robust, aromatic depth, selecting firm and unblemished bulbs for maximum punch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated authentic Italian variety, delivering rich, nutty complexity to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and vibrant color, balancing the creamy sauce with a gentle kick.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous garnish that brings freshness and visual appeal to the final presentation.

• Butter: Creates silky base for sauce, selecting high-quality unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures luxurious, velvety texture, choosing full-fat version for maximum richness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, using fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Provides warm, sharp undertone, freshly ground for most intense flavor.

Tools For Garlic Parmesan Pasta Made Easy

• Large pot: For boiling pasta with salted water.
• Colander: To drain pasta after cooking.
• Large skillet/pan: For sautéing garlic and making the sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir ingredients and mix pasta with sauce.
• Cutting board: For mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Sharp knife: To mince garlic and chop fresh herbs.
• Measuring cup: To measure pasta water and cream.
• Grater or microplane: To grate fresh Parmesan cheese.

Quick Steps For Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Boil Pasta Transformation

Drop pasta into a pot of salty water and cook until perfectly tender. Snag a splash of the starchy cooking liquid before draining – this liquid gold will be your secret sauce helper.

• Awaken Garlic Flavors

Melt butter in a roomy skillet over medium warmth. Sprinkle in finely chopped garlic and let it dance around for a quick minute, releasing its aromatic magic without turning brown.

• Create Creamy Cheese Symphony

Dial down the heat and pour in velvety cream. Gently stir while gradually introducing Parmesan, whisking until the mixture becomes a smooth, luxurious blanket of cheesy goodness.

• Marry Pasta with Sauce

Slide the drained pasta into the creamy mixture, twirling and coating each strand. If things look a bit tight, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen the embrace.

• Final Flavor Flourish

Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper. For adventurous souls, add a dash of red pepper flakes. Crown your creation with a handful of fresh parsley and serve immediately while the magic is still hot.

Smart Tips For Garlic Parmesan Pasta Flavor

• Pro Pasta Perfection: Tips and Twists
• Garlic Caution: Watch your garlic carefully to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter. Remove from heat if it starts to brown.
• Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect sauce texture.
• Sauce Rescue: If sauce breaks or looks grainy, whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter to restore smoothness and shine.
• Dietary Swap: Make this dish gluten-free by using alternative pasta like zucchini noodles or certified gluten-free pasta varieties.
• Protein Power: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra protein and flavor.

Serving Garlic Parmesan Pasta With Ease

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Top the creamy pasta with chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives to add bright, vibrant flavors and a pop of green color that makes the dish look more appealing.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits to transform this simple pasta into a more substantial and filling meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair the garlic Parmesan pasta with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or garlic bread to create a well-rounded and delicious dinner experience that balances textures and tastes.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the rich, creamy sauce and cuts through the heaviness with its light, refreshing notes.

Store Garlic Parmesan Pasta The Right Way

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce and pasta separate if possible to maintain better texture and prevent soggy results.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently over medium-low heat until heated through completely.
• Freezing Wisdom: While cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, you can store this dish for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, whisking to recombine the sauce.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta for a quick, delicious meal.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan pasta brings together Italian culinary magic with simple, elegant ingredients. Rich parmesan cheese and aromatic garlic create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boiling Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until it maintains a slight firmness, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Creating Sauce Base: Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-low heat. Introduce finely chopped garlic, stirring carefully to release its aromatic profile without burning.
3. Developing Cream Sauce: Lower the skillet’s temperature and pour in heavy cream. Whisk methodically, then gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and homogeneous.
4. Combining Elements: Transfer drained pasta directly into the creamy mixture, using circular motions to ensure complete coating. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water as needed, creating a silky, luxurious texture.
5. Finishing Touches: Enhance the dish with strategic seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Optional red pepper flakes can provide a subtle kick. Garnish with vibrant chopped parsley and serve immediately while the pasta remains steaming hot.

Notes

• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente, ensuring a slight bite and preventing mushiness for an authentic Italian experience.
• Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté garlic over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to release flavor without browning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water as a secret weapon to thin or adjust the sauce’s thickness, creating a silky, clingy coating on each pasta strand.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan gradually while continuously whisking to ensure smooth integration and prevent clumping in the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 26 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg