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Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta is your new go-to for a quick, incredibly flavorful, and satisfying weeknight meal, perfect for those moments when you crave something comforting without a fuss. This recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with aromatic garlic and a hint of Parmesan tang, proving that delicious doesn't have to be complicated.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced adjust to your garlic preference!
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper, freshly ground
  • optional fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Before draining, carefully reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
    1 pound pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne), to taste salt
  2. While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
  3. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed garlic and butter. Stir gently to combine. Let the cream simmer for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to warm through and slightly thicken. Now, add about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. This starchy water will help emulsify the sauce and make it extra creamy.
    1/2 cup heavy cream, 4-6 cloves garlic, minced, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Continue stirring until the sauce just begins to bubble gently around the edges.
    1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  5. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together gently, ensuring each strand or piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add another tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
    1 pound pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne), 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  6. Season the Garlic Parmesan Pasta generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
    to taste salt, to taste black pepper, freshly ground, optional fresh parsley, chopped, optional red pepper flakes

Notes

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Best enjoyed fresh.