Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan

February 4, 2025

Calling all pasta lovers! Get ready to twirl your fork into the ultimate comfort dish—Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan! Silky, rich, and bursting with garlicky goodness, this quick and easy recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-worthy meal right at home. Let’s make magic in the kitchen!

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Calling all pasta lovers! Picture this: A twirl of silky-smooth spaghetti coated in a luxurious sauce made of garlic, butter, and Parmesan, each bite melting in your mouth like a culinary hug. That’s what we’re diving into today! Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food that feels just fancy enough to impress but is secretly so simple to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a last-minute indulgence after a long day, this dish has charm, flavor, and a whole lot of garlicky goodness. So grab your apron—we’re making something dreamy here!

Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta With Parmesan Recipe

What makes this recipe extra special is the simplicity of its ingredients and the power of their combination. Garlic, butter, and Parmesan are a trio that was clearly made for greatness, but the magic lies in the details. The butter gets infused with minced garlic, gently sautéed until golden and fragrant, and then combined with a splash of cream to create the ultimate silky base. Toss in heaps of freshly grated Parmesan, and you’ve got a sauce that clings to the pasta like it’s in love. And let’s not forget the sprinkle of parsley on top—just the right hit of freshness to balance the richness. The result? A dish that tastes like a five-star Italian restaurant landed right in your kitchen.

Now, let me sprinkle in a few tips to make your pasta really shine. First, reserve that pasta water! It’s liquid gold for your sauce—it helps it cling to every strand and gives it just the right consistency. Don’t skimp on good Parmesan, either. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes be a little sad and clumpy; freshly grated Parmesan will give you creamy, dreamy results. Lastly, keep an eye on your garlic—it goes from golden to burnt pretty fast, so a gentle heat is your best friend here. Trust me, these small steps make all the difference when you’re creating this flavor symphony.

So, are you convinced it’s time to try this garlicky masterpiece? Serve it just as it is for a cozy, indulgent dinner, or take it to the next level by adding grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or even crispy bacon. This Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is endlessly versatile and oh-so-satisfying. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to comfort dish! Whip it up for date night, a family dinner, or just a treat for yourself (because you deserve it). And hey—feel free to customize it with some cracked black pepper or red chili flakes for a little kick. Either way, one thing’s for sure: your taste buds are in for a real treat.

Keywords: homemade creamy pasta recipe, easy garlic butter pasta, parmesan pasta dinner idea, quick weeknight pasta meal, rich and creamy pasta dish, best butter garlic spaghetti, comfort food pasta recipes

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Italian

Ingredients

•12 ounces spaghetti
•4 tablespoons unsalted butter
•6 cloves garlic, minced
•1 cup heavy cream
•1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
•2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
•Water for boiling pasta

Instructions

1
Boil water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, and cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring, allowing it to melt and create a creamy sauce.
6
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
7
Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
8
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
9
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories

520 calories

Protein

18g

Carbs

54g

Fat

26g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other long pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or even angel hair. Short pastas like penne or rigatoni can also work, but they will provide a slightly different texture and feel to the dish.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream?

A: If you don't have heavy cream, you can replace it with half-and-half or full-fat milk, though the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy. For a non-dairy option, use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk, but keep in mind that the flavor will change.

Q: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

A: To avoid burning the garlic, keep the heat at medium and stir continuously when sautéing. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat immediately or remove the pan from the burner for a moment.

Q: What should I do if the sauce turns out too thick?

A: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water helps to thin out the sauce while maintaining its creaminess.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: This dish is best served fresh for maximum creaminess. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, store the cooked pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce on low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to restore its consistency before tossing with the pasta.

Q: What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

A: For added protein, you can include cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon. Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work well too. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.

Q: How should I store and reheat leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in a bit of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

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