Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A luscious, easy-to-make pasta dish featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce infused with aromatic garlic and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta any short cut like fettuccine or penne
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 0.25 cup pasta water reserved
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. You can easily add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or sautéed spinach for a vegetable boost. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.