Homemade Garlic Parmesan Pasta

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Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a beloved Italian dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners and offers a comforting meal that’s both budget-friendly and customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy sauce that’s both satisfying and delicious.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients without compromising on taste.
• Customizable: Easily add your favorite proteins or vegetables to make it your own.
• Nutritious Benefits: Garlic offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while Parmesan provides a good source of calcium.

Ingredients:

• Pasta: 12 oz (fettuccine, linguine, or penne recommended)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (unsalted)
• Pasta water: ½ cup (reserved from cooking)
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
   • Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and butter, stirring until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
   • Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Serve:
   • Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy this Garlic Parmesan Pasta as a delightful addition to your weeknight dinner rotation!

Printable Recipe Card:

Ingredients

• 12 oz Pasta (like fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh garlic is key!)
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (high-quality Parmesan cheese!)
• 2 tbsp Butter (unsalted)
• ½ cup Pasta water (reserved from cooking)
• Salt and pepper, To taste
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes, optional for a touch of heat

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.¹ Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. (Careful not to burn it!). Reduce the heat to low and add heavy cream and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
3. Build Flavor: Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add small amounts of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine & Season: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
5. Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your comfort food!

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Quality Matters: Using fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese makes a big difference!
• Storage: Store homemade garlic parmesan sauce separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.² Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore consistency.
• Add Protein: Easily customize with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or grilled zucchini.
• Pasta Shape: Experiment with different pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, penne, and fusilli – they all work well!