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- 12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish To make Garlic Parmesan Pasta, you need simple ingredients. I love using fresh garlic for the best flavor. The butter creates a rich base. Heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty taste. You can adjust the heat with red pepper flakes if you like spice. Salt and black pepper help enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley gives a nice touch and color. Gathering these ingredients will set you up for success. This dish is quick and easy to prepare. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through the steps. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome! Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Once the water is boiling, add 12 ounces of spaghetti or your preferred pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente, which means it should still be a bit firm when you bite it. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, reserve one cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; you want it to smell amazing, not bitter. Now it’s time to make the cream sauce. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. This is where the magic happens! Next, gradually stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If you like a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes at this point. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste. Now, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the garlic Parmesan sauce until it’s well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your Garlic Parmesan Pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve it hot and enjoy your creamy and flavorful meal. You can pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for a complete dinner. Try this full recipe for all the details! - Salt your water properly: Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. This step flavors your pasta from the inside out. - Importance of reserving pasta water: Always save about one cup of pasta water. This starchy water helps to thin the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta better. - Adding herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme bring a burst of flavor. Just chop them finely and stir them in at the end. - Options for extra spice: For some heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. This can make your dish pop. - Reheating tips: Use a pan over low heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to keep it creamy as you warm it up. - Additional serving ideas: Turn leftovers into a baked dish. Just add some cheese on top and broil until golden. You can also toss in veggies or proteins for a heartier meal. For the complete step-by-step guide, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can boost the flavor and nutrition of your Garlic Parmesan Pasta by adding proteins. - Grilled chicken: Slice grilled chicken and mix it into the pasta. It adds a savory taste and makes the dish heartier. You can season the chicken with garlic and herbs for extra flavor. - Sautéed shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs well with garlic and Parmesan. Sauté shrimp in olive oil with garlic until pink and tender. Stir them into the pasta for a tasty seafood twist. For a vegetarian take, you can include more fresh ingredients. - Including vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. They will bring color and nutrition to your dish. Cook the veggies in the garlic butter before mixing in the pasta. - Using plant-based alternatives: If you want a vegan option, use plant-based butter and cheese. These swaps keep the creamy texture while making it suitable for those avoiding animal products. If you need a gluten-free version, there are great options. - Recommended gluten-free pasta types: Look for pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. These alternatives have a similar texture and taste. Cook them according to package directions for the best results. - Adjusting the recipe: When using gluten-free pasta, keep the cooking time in mind. Gluten-free pasta can cook faster than regular pasta. Make sure to check for doneness so it doesn’t become mushy. To store your Garlic Parmesan Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These containers prevent air from getting in, which keeps the pasta tasty. You can freeze Garlic Parmesan Pasta if you want to save some for later. First, make sure it is cool. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Use a freezer bag if you like. Squeeze out the air before sealing. This keeps ice crystals from forming. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, warm it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. In the fridge, Garlic Parmesan Pasta lasts about three to four days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or notice an off smell, it’s best to throw it out. Trust your senses; they guide you well. Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and creamy dish. It combines garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese with pasta. You can use any pasta you like, but spaghetti is a great choice. This dish is quick to make and full of flavor. Each bite offers a comforting blend of buttery goodness and savory cheese. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. Make the sauce separately and chill it too. When you are ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and mix it with the pasta. This saves time on busy days. To make it vegan, swap out a few ingredients. Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. For cheese, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty without animal products. Absolutely! If you want a different flavor, try using Pecorino Romano. It has a similar taste but is saltier. You can also use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a creamy texture. Just keep in mind that each cheese adds its own unique flavor! Garlic Parmesan Pasta can be rich in calories due to butter and cream. To make it healthier, use less butter and cream. You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients. Whole grain pasta is another good choice. It has more fiber and keeps you full longer. We explored how to make a tasty Garlic Parmesan Pasta from scratch. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. We also covered helpful tips for perfect pasta and variations to suit your taste. Finally, we examined storage techniques and answered common questions. I hope these insights inspire you to try this easy yet delicious recipe. Enjoy crafting your Garlic Parmesan Pasta, and make it your own!

- Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in a creamy and rich garlic parmesan pasta that will elevate your dinner game in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe combines al dente spaghetti with a buttery garlic sauce, heavy cream, and melted Parmesan cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to discover how to make this delightful garlic parmesan pasta and wow your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.

      Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir the mixture occasionally for about 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.

        Add Cheese and Seasoning: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

            Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4