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To make this tasty dish, you need just a few key items: - 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and black pepper, to taste These ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with your pasta. If you want to kick up the flavor, consider adding: - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon These additions bring brightness and a bit of spice to the dish. You can easily swap some ingredients for different flavors or dietary needs: - Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. - Try olive oil instead of butter for a lighter sauce. - Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a vegan twist. These substitutions can help you tailor the dish to your taste or dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to it. Bring the water to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 12 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it'll have a little bite. Before draining, save one cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the rest and set the pasta aside. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it melts, add 6 minced cloves of garlic. Stir it for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell good and turn light golden. Be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can taste bitter. Next, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it while you pour. Let the mix come to a gentle simmer. Cook it for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens a bit. Stir it now and then to keep it smooth. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Whisk it while it melts. If the sauce is too thick, mix in a bit of the reserved pasta water. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want heat, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Lastly, stir in the zest of 1 lemon for a bright flavor. Now, add the drained pasta into the skillet. Gently toss it in the creamy sauce until it's fully coated. Heat it for another minute to blend all the flavors well. Remove the skillet from the heat when done. Serve the pasta in bowls. Top with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. For a nice touch, serve it with lemon wedges on the side. This will add color and enhance the flavor. Enjoy your delicious dish! To make great pasta, start with plenty of water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Use a large pot and add a lot of salt. The salt adds flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta. For fettuccine or spaghetti, cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Check for al dente by tasting a piece. It should be firm but not hard. Reserve one cup of the cooking water; it’s great for adjusting your sauce later. For a richer taste, use fresh garlic. Mince six cloves and sauté them in butter. This gives a nice, aromatic base. Adding red pepper flakes can bring heat, but it’s optional. Lemon zest brightens the dish, adding a fresh note. Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Fresh parsley also adds a pop of color and flavor when you sprinkle it on top. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Always aim for al dente. Another issue is burning the garlic. Sauté it only until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. If it turns brown, it will taste bitter. Avoid adding too much cheese at once; it can clump. Gradually whisk it in for a smooth sauce. Lastly, don’t skip reserving pasta water. It helps to create the perfect sauce consistency. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. Always opt for fresh for the best taste. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce's consistency and enhance its creaminess. Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Grating your own cheese will yield a smoother, creamier sauce. Let It Rest: Allowing the pasta to sit for a minute after mixing with the sauce will help the flavors meld together, resulting in a more delicious dish. {{image_4}} You can easily make this pasta dish heartier by adding protein. Chicken is a great choice. Simply cook diced chicken in the skillet before adding garlic. Shrimp works well too. Sauté the shrimp until pink, then add garlic. Both options give the dish more flavor and nutrition. Adding veggies can make this meal healthier. Spinach is a fantastic option. Toss in fresh spinach right after adding the pasta. It wilts down nicely. You can also add cherry tomatoes or broccoli. Cook them briefly in the garlic butter before adding the cream for extra taste. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds a nice richness. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy pasta dish, no matter their diet. Store your leftover Garlic Parmesan Pasta in a sealed container. Let the pasta cool first. It stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help it get creamy again. Stir often until it is warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze the pasta, do this before adding any fresh parsley. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can use whole milk or half-and-half. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt. Both will still create a creamy sauce. If you want a dairy-free swap, try coconut milk or cashew cream. They add richness and flavor. Add red pepper flakes for heat. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick. Mix them in with the garlic for the best flavor. Yes! Fettuccine and spaghetti work well, but you can use any pasta. Penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta are great choices. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions. Serve this pasta with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus pairs nicely too. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp make excellent additions. If your sauce is thick, add pasta cooking water. Start with a tablespoon and stir well. Keep adding until you reach your desired consistency. You can also mix in more heavy cream or milk if needed. This blog post covered how to make Garlic Parmesan Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, like garlic and cheese. You also found tips to avoid mistakes and make it your own. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Feel free to change the recipe using your favorite flavors. Whether you add protein, veggies, or go dairy-free, the options are endless. Enjoy creating and sharing this easy dish!

Garlic Parmesan Creamy Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the remaining water and set the pasta aside.
  • Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be cautious to avoid burning the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
  • Create the Creamy Base: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  • Incorporate the Cheese: Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, whisking continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually mix in a small amount of the reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is reached.
  • Season the Creamy Sauce: Next, add the red pepper flakes (if you're using them), lemon zest, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all flavors are evenly distributed.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until it's evenly coated. Allow it to heat through for an additional minute to combine the flavors.
  • Serve: Once heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, use a large serving platter and twirl the pasta into nests; sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with a side of lemon wedges for added color and flavor.
Keyword creamy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta