Description
A rich and creamy garlic Parmesan pasta recipe that’s quick and easy to prepare. This Italian-inspired main dish combines tender pasta with a luscious sauce made from butter, minced garlic, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, finished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Continue to cook for another minute until fully combined.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat the noodles evenly.
- Season and garnish: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and heartiness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
