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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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