There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese melting together into a rich, creamy sauce. And when you toss it all with perfectly cooked pasta? Pure comfort food bliss. This Garlic Parmesan Pasta is your answer to a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers on flavor, texture, and ease.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Quick & Easy: Ready in less time than it takes to order takeout.
- Few Ingredients, Big Flavor: Simple pantry staples create a creamy, dreamy sauce.
- Customizable: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggies to make it a heartier meal.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this dish comes together effortlessly.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skip the expensive Italian takeout and make this dish with ingredients you likely already have!
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
Ingredients You will Need
Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for topping
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water this will help thicken the sauce later. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter and add olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it burnt garlic can turn bitter quickly!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, then add in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Let everything melt together into a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir continuously to prevent the cheese from clumping.
Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss everything together, slowly adding the reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and make it extra silky. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring gently so the pasta absorbs the flavor.
Step 5: Final Touches
Sprinkle in freshly chopped parsley, add an extra dusting of Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Pasta
✔ Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch, but fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor.
✔ Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The starch in the water helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.
✔ Go Heavy on the Cheese: If you love extra cheesiness, don’t hold back on the Parmesan.
✔ Add Protein or Veggies: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, or spinach for a complete meal.
✔ Make it Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, mix in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone.
✔ Season to Taste: Everyone’s taste buds are different adjust the seasoning as needed.
Delicious Variations
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Sauté bite-sized pieces of chicken in the butter before adding the garlic for a protein-packed version.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Add shrimp to the sauce, cooking for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetarian Option
Toss in roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for a veggie-forward dish.
Low-Carb Option
Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes! Whole milk works, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy. For a richer alternative, try half-and-half.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti is classic, but fettuccine, linguine, or penne also work great.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety.
Can I make it dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?
Reheat on low heat in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out the sauce.
Pairing Suggestions
This creamy pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Because more garlic is always a good idea.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrients.
- A Glass of White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the richness beautifully.
- This Garlic Parmesan Pasta pairs wonderfully with a classic Antipasto Salad for a balanced Italian-inspired meal.
- For those who love creamy pasta dishes, consider trying Blackened Chicken Alfredo, which adds a spicy twist to the rich flavors.
- Want a heartier pasta option? Check out Smoked Sausage Pasta for a protein-packed variation.
- If you’re a cheese lover, you might also enjoy Homemade Mac and Cheese with Velveeta for an extra creamy and indulgent treat.
Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
Ingredients
Pasta Base
- 12 oz pasta spaghetti or fettuccine
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 cup heavy cream for extra creaminess
- 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!
Notes
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Pasta is creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or for a gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and whip up this easy, restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Enjoy!
