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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and velvety dish that combines tender pasta with a luscious sauce made from garlic, butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect harmony of creamy texture and bold flavor, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Base Ingredients

  • 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining to aid the sauce’s consistency later.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, ensuring the garlic maintains its bright flavor.
  3. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously, allowing it to warm and slowly thicken. Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything together over low heat, adding reserved pasta water gradually to create a silky, clingy texture that perfectly coats each noodle.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness and maintain aroma.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and improve sauce adherence.
  • Combine pasta and sauce over low heat to prevent curdling or separation.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add brightness and vibrant color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, garlic pasta, creamy pasta sauce, easy pasta recipe, Parmesan pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-pasta/