When it comes to comfort food, pasta is an undeniable champion. It’s versatile, easy to make, and always satisfying. Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite pasta recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta. This dish is rich, flavorful, and incredibly simple, perfect for weeknight dinners or a special meal. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it convenient and budget-friendly.
- Creamy & Delicious: The rich, garlicky sauce is indulgent but not too heavy. Perfectly balanced!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This will help emulsify the sauce later.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese in small batches, stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce becomes velvety smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Serve and Garnish
Serve your creamy garlic Parmesan pasta immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top (because, why not?). Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results:
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and may result in a grainy texture. Freshly grated Parmesan is key to achieving a silky, rich sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles, creating a restaurant-quality finish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: For this dish, you want your pasta to have a nice al dente bite. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
Variations to Try:
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta would all make excellent additions to this creamy pasta.
- Veggie Lovers: Toss in some sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Lemon Zest: For a bright and zesty twist, add the zest of one lemon to the sauce before mixing in the pasta.
Final Thoughts:
This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is the epitome of comfort food. It’s indulgent, delicious, and bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, it’s a dish that impresses every time. Best of all? It’s ready in less than half an hour!
Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think! What are your favorite pasta toppings or variations? I'd love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!
Happy cooking! ?✨
