Let’s be honest, weeknight dinners can be a struggle. You’re tired and hungry, and the last thing you want to do is spend an hour slaving over a complicated recipe. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there, staring blankly into the fridge, wishing for a quick, satisfying, and truly delicious meal. That’s where this dreamy garlic parmesan pasta comes in.
Forget the bland, watery versions you might have encountered before; this recipe delivers rich, cheesy, impossibly creamy garlic parmesan pasta that’s a weeknight wonder you’ll make on repeat. This isn’t just any garlic parmesan pasta; it’s the perfect solution to your weeknight dinner woes, providing a simple yet spectacular meal ready in minutes.
Ingredients Needed For Garlic Parmesan Pasta:
- 1 pound spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape (gluten-free pasta works great!)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for the pasta water
- 8 cloves garlic, minced (or about 2 tablespoons of pre-minced garlic, for convenience)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving (use freshly grated for the best flavor!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Ingredient Notes: For the creamiest pasta, use high-quality Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is best, as pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose, which can impact the texture. Similarly, good-quality butter makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Timing:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
This recipe takes significantly less time than many other garlic parmesan pasta recipes, often clocking in at under 20 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Pro Tip: Reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this will help create a creamier sauce.
- Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste.
- Create the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams
These values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Healthier Alternatives:
- Reduce fat: Use half butter and half olive oil for a lower-fat sauce.
- Lower calories: Use a lighter cream, such as half-and-half, or reduce the amount of cheese.
- Add vegetables: Stir in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This dreamy garlic parmesan pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also elevate it with:
- A side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Burning the garlic: Cook the garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions, aiming for al dente.
- Using too little pasta water: The reserved pasta water is essential for creating a creamy sauce.
Storing Tips:
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to prevent it from drying out and microwave or gently heat on the stovetop.
Our Thoughts:
This garlic parmesan pasta recipe is a true weeknight winner. The simplicity of the ingredients and the quick preparation time make it perfect for busy evenings. The result is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and let us know what you think!
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and we’re confident it will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes on our blog! Share your creations with us on social media using #DreamyGarlicParmesanPasta.
FAQs:
Garlic Parmesan Pasta You’ll Want Every Night
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape gluten-free pasta works great!
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for the pasta water
- 8 cloves garlic minced (or about 2 tablespoons of pre-minced garlic, for convenience)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving (use freshly grated for the best flavor!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- 1/4 cup pasta water reserved from cooking the pasta
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Pro Tip: Reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this will help create a creamier sauce.
- Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste.
- Create the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Burning the garlic: Cook the garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions, aiming for al dente.
- Using too little pasta water: The reserved pasta water is essential for creating a creamy sauce.