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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

creamy garlic parmesan pasta - featured image

A quick and easy 15-minute dinner featuring a rich and comforting creamy garlic parmesan sauce tossed with pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a simple yet delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (about 225 g) fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually add 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to melt it smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss well to coat every strand with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta. Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil, heavy cream with plant-based cream, and parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

Nutrition

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