Description
This Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired dish perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. Made with buttery garlic sauce and rich Parmesan cheese, it combines classic flavors in a creamy, satisfying pasta that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or preferred type)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water to use later in the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and toss to coat the noodles evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
- Add Parmesan and Adjust Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and add the reserved pasta water gradually, tossing to combine. Add more pasta water if needed to create a creamy consistency that coats the pasta well.
- Season and Garnish: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce that adheres to the noodles.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest texture.
- Do not overcook the garlic to keep it from tasting bitter.
- Optional garnish of parsley adds freshness and color.
- You can substitute butter with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
