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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich, silky, and comforting dish featuring tender pasta coated in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce enhanced by freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfectly balancing simplicity and sophistication, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests without extensive prep time.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add freshly minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. This step infuses the butter with the warm aroma that defines the sauce.
  3. Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly, stirring occasionally, usually 3-5 minutes. This creates the creamy base that will coat the pasta beautifully.
  4. Add Parmesan and Season: Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and silky. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to reach perfect consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly, ensuring every strand or piece is enveloped in the creamy garlic parmesan goodness. Heat together for a minute or two so pasta soaks up some sauce flavor.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a bright color contrast and herbaceous hint. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese as pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly or taste as vibrant.
  • Be gentle with the garlic; overcooking turns it bitter, so sauté just until fragrant.
  • Reserve pasta water because it contains starch that helps loosen sauce without watering it down.
  • Don’t overheat the sauce; high heat can curdle the cream or separate the cheese.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go because Parmesan adds saltiness to the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy pasta, Garlic Parmesan pasta, Quick dinner, Comfort food, Italian pasta recipe

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