Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This quick and indulgent Garlic Parmesan Pasta is creamy and packed with savory garlic and sharp Parmesan flavors. Ready in under 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it is perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce is luscious without heavy cream and can be easily customized with proteins, veggies, or spices for a comforting yet elegant meal loved by the whole family.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- Pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, etc.) – 8 oz (about 225 g)
Sauce
- Fresh minced garlic – 3 cloves
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – 1 cup (about 100 g)
- Milk or cream – 1 cup (240 ml)
- Salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce later if needed.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and melt butter over medium heat. Add freshly minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the milk or cream, stirring constantly. Slowly sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring gently, allowing the cheese to melt and thicken the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening to coat every strand perfectly.
- Season and Serve: Finish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently, then plate your creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor and better melting.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without weakening flavor.
- Cook garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Choose good-quality pasta for ideal texture.
- Toss pasta gently to prevent clumping and keep strands separated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Pasta
Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/garlic-parmesan-pasta/
