Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that comes together in just minutes. Made with simple ingredients like garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, this pasta is rich, comforting, and perfect for a quick meal. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
• Rich & Creamy – A velvety sauce made from Parmesan and cream.
• Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples come together for a delicious meal.
• Customizable – Add veggies, protein, or extra seasonings to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it as a comforting dinner or a fancy side dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• Butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Heavy cream
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté Garlic – In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce – Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring until well combined. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Parmesan – Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Combine with Pasta – Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein – Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
• Make It Healthier – Use whole wheat pasta or replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
• Extra Flavor – Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Spicy Kick – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be as thick. You can add a little flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.

What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal because it melts smoothly, unlike pre-shredded versions.

Can I make this without butter?

Yes, you can use olive oil as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works best, but short pasta like penne also holds the sauce well.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Adding reserved pasta water gradually while mixing will keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, store the sauce separately and mix it with reheated pasta.

How do I make it more garlicky?

Use roasted garlic instead of fresh for a deeper flavor, or add garlic powder for extra punch.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes, but freshly cooked pasta absorbs the sauce better. If using pre-cooked, warm it up before mixing.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich garlic-infused sauce and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Whether you keep it simple or add your favorite mix-ins, this recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover!

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