Go Back
To make creamy garlic Parmesan pasta, you'll need a few key items. This dish is simple yet full of flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to put together. Here’s what you need for the best creamy garlic Parmesan pasta: - 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy sauce. The garlic adds a nice kick, while the Parmesan gives it a deep flavor. You can add a few extra items to make your dish even better: - 1 cup baby spinach leaves (for added nutrition) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Adding spinach boosts the health factor. The parsley adds a fresh touch. You can mix and match these options based on what you like. Enjoy making this dish with your own twist! First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rapid boil. Once it's boiling, add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, or firm to the bite. Before you drain the pasta, save 1 cup of the pasta water. This water will help adjust the sauce later. After saving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside. In the same pot, keep the heat at medium. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once the butter is melted, add 4 finely minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Watch closely to avoid browning the garlic. If it browns, it will taste bitter. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently, then bring it to a light simmer. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Now, lower the heat a little. Season your sauce with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend. If you want to add nutrition, toss in 1 cup of baby spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes. After that, return the drained pasta to the pot with the sauce. Toss it well to coat each piece of pasta in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Stir until you reach your desired creaminess. Finally, serve your creamy garlic Parmesan pasta on plates and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh look. This dish is a true delight and perfect for any dinner! For the full recipe, check the section above. To keep garlic from burning, watch the heat. Use medium heat when you sauté. Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter. Sauté for about one minute until it smells good. If it starts to brown, lower the heat. You want it soft and fragrant, not dark. The sauce may be too thick at times. If it is, use the reserved pasta water. Add a little at a time while stirring. This will help make the sauce creamy. If it's too thin, let it simmer longer. This will thicken it up nicely. Fettuccine and spaghetti work best for this dish. They hold the sauce well. Other pastas like penne or linguine could work too. Choose what you like best. Each pasta brings a unique touch to the meal. {{image_4}} You can add protein to make this dish heartier. Chicken works well with creamy garlic sauce. Simply cook chicken breast in the pan before adding garlic. Slice it and mix with pasta. Shrimp is another great choice. Sauté shrimp until pink, then toss with the pasta. Both options enhance flavor and make the meal more filling. For a vegetarian twist, try adding mushrooms or zucchini. Sauté these veggies with garlic for more depth. If you want a vegan version, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Your dish will still be creamy and delicious! You can elevate the flavor by adding herbs. Fresh basil or thyme adds a lovely touch. Spices like red pepper flakes bring heat to the dish. Vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or bell peppers add color and taste. Experiment with these options to make your creamy garlic Parmesan pasta unique and exciting. For the complete dish, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftover creamy garlic Parmesan pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This way, it stays fresh for up to three days. Keep it in the fridge. If you notice any changes in color or smell, throw it away. When you're ready to enjoy the pasta again, reheat it slowly. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help revive the sauce. Stir gently until it warms up. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned above. The flavor remains delicious, just like the full recipe! Yes, you can use other cheeses. Some good options are mozzarella, pecorino, or fontina. Each cheese brings a unique flavor. Mixing cheeses can add depth to your dish. Just remember to grate them finely for easy melting. Experiment with your favorites to find new tastes. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands now offer great options that cook well. Check the package instructions for cooking times. Be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want a crunchy topping. Always read labels to avoid hidden gluten in sauces or seasonings. This creamy dish pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread: A classic choice that complements the flavors. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition. - Salad: A fresh side salad brings a nice crunch. - Grilled chicken or shrimp: For added protein and heartiness. These sides make your meal more balanced and enjoyable! You have learned how to make creamy garlic parmesan pasta. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and ways to enhance flavor. I shared tips to avoid burning garlic and ways to store leftovers. Remember, you can easily adapt this dish with different proteins or veggies. With practice, you will master this recipe and impress your family and friends. Enjoy this creamy delight whenever you wish!

- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with this easy-to-follow recipe! Perfect for any dinner, this creamy dish combines rich garlic and cheese for a satisfying meal everyone will love. Whether you're cooking for family or treating yourself, discover how to create this irresistible dinner at home. Ready to impress with your culinary skills?
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

1 cup baby spinach leaves (optional for added nutrition)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rapid boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pot used for the pasta, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt fully. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute or until it becomes aromatic. Be cautious not to let the garlic brown, as this will create a bitter flavor.

      Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and bring it to a delicate simmer. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce achieves a rich, creamy texture.

        Season the Sauce: Season the creamy mixture with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and the Italian seasoning, adjusting to your preferences. If you’re including spinach, add it at this stage and stir until it wilts down, about 1-2 minutes.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot with the sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, incrementally add the reserved pasta water, stirring until the desired creaminess is achieved.

            Serve with Flair: Once well mixed, transfer the creamy garlic Parmesan pasta to serving plates. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, which adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an added touch, consider garnishing with extra Parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat! Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.