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- 8 oz spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - Salt, to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes When I think of creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti, I think of comfort. You need a few simple yet rich ingredients to make this dish shine. First, I love using fresh spaghetti, but any pasta works great. The unsalted butter gives a rich base. Garlic is where the magic starts. Use fresh garlic, finely minced, for the best flavor. The heavy cream makes it rich and creamy. I always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese because it melts better and tastes amazing. For seasoning, a touch of salt and black pepper adds depth. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can take this dish to the next level. Gather these ingredients, and you're on your way to a warm, tasty meal that feels special. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large pot with salted water. Bring that water to a rapid boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will help adjust the sauce later. After reserving the water, drain the spaghetti and set it aside in a large mixing bowl. In a spacious skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t turn brown, as brown garlic can taste bitter. Next, gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir continuously to mix it with the garlic butter. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce starts to thicken. Then, slowly whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creaminess. Carefully add the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat the spaghetti evenly. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper and salt to taste. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti into individual serving bowls. Finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for a fresh touch. For a lovely presentation, add more grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can also drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil or include halved cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! To get that nice, creamy sauce, always save some pasta water. This water has starch from the pasta, which helps thicken the sauce. If your sauce feels too thick, add a bit of this water. It will keep the sauce smooth and silky. Choosing the right Parmesan is also key. Always use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese often has additives that can change the texture of your sauce. Fresh cheese melts better and adds more flavor. Want to spice things up? Adding red pepper flakes gives your dish a nice kick. Just a pinch can make a big difference. You can also try other herbs, like basil or oregano, for added depth. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Be careful not to overcook the garlic. It should be fragrant, not brown. Brown garlic can taste bitter, ruining your dish. Also, don’t skip the pasta water. It’s essential for making your sauce creamy. Without it, your sauce might be too thick or dry. Always reserve some before draining the spaghetti. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor and creaminess of the dish. Reserve Pasta Water: Don't forget to save some pasta water before draining. It’s perfect for adjusting the sauce’s consistency and adding flavor. Control the Heat: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat on medium to low. This prevents the garlic from burning and turning bitter, which can ruin the dish. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. {{image_4}} You can make creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti even heartier by adding protein. Here are two easy options: - Grilled chicken: Slice grilled chicken breast and toss it with the spaghetti. It adds a nice texture and flavor. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in the garlic butter before adding cream. It cooks quickly and makes the dish feel special. If you want a vegetarian twist, adding fresh veggies can enhance your meal. Consider these options: - Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach leaves right before you add the cream. They wilt nicely and add nutrition. - Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic. They bring an earthy taste and a meaty texture. - Cherry tomatoes: Halve cherry tomatoes and add them at the end. They add a pop of sweetness and color. For those avoiding gluten, you can still enjoy this dish with some simple changes: - Alternative pasta types: Use gluten-free spaghetti made from rice or lentils. They cook well and blend perfectly with the creamy sauce. These variations let you customize your creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! Store leftover creamy garlic parmesan spaghetti in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps to prevent extra moisture. To reheat spaghetti, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help it warm evenly. Stir gently to mix in the sauce. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a bowl, cover with a lid, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. You can freeze creamy garlic parmesan spaghetti. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove for the best texture. You can use whole milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. These options make the dish lighter. If you want a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both add creaminess without the dairy. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the spaghetti and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers. When you're ready to eat, reheat them together for a quick meal. To thicken the sauce, add more Parmesan cheese or let it simmer longer. For a thinner sauce, mix in some reserved pasta water. Start with a little and adjust until you reach the right consistency. Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. It has no meat or fish. To make it vegan, use plant-based butter and cheese. This way, you can enjoy the same creamy goodness without dairy. In this post, we explored making creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ways to add protein or make it vegetarian. Storing and reheating tips ensure you enjoy it later. Remember to avoid common mistakes for the best flavor and creaminess. This dish is versatile and fun to make. Enjoy creating your creamy spaghetti masterpiece!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Delight

A rich and creamy spaghetti dish infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • a pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve approximately 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Drain the spaghetti and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  • Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a spacious skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it does not turn brown, as this can cause bitterness.
  • Add Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine it with the garlic butter. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to thicken.
  • Incorporate Parmesan: Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts completely and achieves a silky, creamy consistency. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate a small amount of the reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is achieved.
  • Combine with Spaghetti: Add the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat the spaghetti evenly in the sauce. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and salt as per your taste. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Garnish and Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti into individual serving bowls. Finish with a generous sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for freshness and a vibrant touch.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture. Optional toppings include more Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
Keyword creamy, garlic, parmesan, pasta, spaghetti