Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and velvety Italian-inspired dish combining tender pasta with a luscious sauce made from fresh garlic, cream, butter, and sharp Parmesan cheese. This comforting and sophisticated recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings. It’s a versatile base that can be customized with proteins, vegetables, or spices to suit any preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta
Sauce
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for sauce consistency)
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Gently sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn it to ensure a smooth, mellow flavor.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and warm it while stirring frequently. Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to a silky texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamiest.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting properties.
- Reserve pasta water to help the sauce stick perfectly to the noodles.
- Cook garlic over medium heat slowly to avoid bitterness and preserve flavor.
- Test pasta for al dente doneness for balanced texture with creamy sauce.
- Serve the pasta immediately for best taste and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg