Short Description
Creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
- Rich, creamy, and packed with garlicky flavor
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Versatile—serve it as a main dish or a side
- Customizable with protein or vegetables
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring well.
- Melt the Cheese – Lower the heat and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce – Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein – Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra heartiness.
- Make It Spicy – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use Different Cheese – Try Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a unique twist.
- Vegetable Boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a less rich sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the sauce to separate.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may not retain its texture after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. Adding a bit of flour or cornstarch can help thicken it.
What type of Parmesan cheese should I use?
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Adding reserved pasta water gradually helps maintain a silky consistency.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.
How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Cook on low heat and add cheese gradually while stirring continuously.
What can I serve with this pasta?
Pair it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat gently before serving.
How do I make this dish even more flavorful?
Try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce or finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well with this sauce.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti is a simple yet indulgent pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, garlicky sauce and cheesy goodness, this meal is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it as is or customize it with your favorite add-ins for a delicious homemade dinner in just minutes
Print
A rich and creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: : Main Cours
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil pasta in salted water. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Combine: Add spaghetti and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.