Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

$- Spaghetti (12 oz) - Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons) - Minced garlic (6 cloves) - Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon) - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup) - Fresh parsley (1/2 cup) - Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Lemon zest (optional) Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is simple yet full of flavor. You start with 12 ounces of spaghetti. Use good quality spaghetti for the best taste. Next, you need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This helps create a rich flavor. You will also use 6 cloves of minced garlic. Fresh garlic makes a big difference in taste. For some heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can adjust this based on your spice level. The dish shines with 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds a creamy texture and salty flavor. You will need 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped, for freshness. It gives a nice pop of color too. Don't forget to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. This starchy water helps to create the sauce. Lastly, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, you can add some lemon zest for a bright touch. These ingredients come together to make a quick and tasty meal. Each one plays an important role in balancing flavors. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 12 oz of spaghetti and cook until al dente. - Before draining, save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. - In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. - Add 6 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not golden. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and stir for 30 seconds. - Toss the drained spaghetti in the garlic butter, coating it well. - Gradually add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix. - If the pasta feels dry, pour in the reserved pasta water slowly. - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. - For a zesty touch, fold in the zest of 1 lemon. - Finish by adding 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped fresh parsley and mix well. To make the sauce just right, adjust the pasta water. This water has starch, which helps create a smooth sauce. If your sauce is thick, add more pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it cook a bit longer. For cheese, I always use fresh Parmesan. It has a rich flavor that makes the dish shine. Grate it yourself for the best taste. Store-bought grated cheese lacks the same depth. You can add more spices to make the dish unique. Try Italian herbs like oregano or basil. A pinch of black pepper gives a nice kick too. If you want more protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. For a veggie boost, toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes. Both options pair well with the garlic and cheese. Serve the spaghetti in warm bowls to keep it hot. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top makes it look nice. Add fresh parsley for color and flavor. For a zesty touch, place a lemon wedge on the side. This lets you squeeze fresh juice on your dish right before eating. It brightens the flavors and looks great on the plate! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the overall taste of the dish. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Start with less if you're unsure, and add more as needed for extra heat. Pasta Water is Key: The reserved pasta water is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Add it gradually to avoid making the dish too watery. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley not only enhance the flavor but also make your dish visually appealing. A lemon wedge on the side adds a refreshing touch. {{image_4}} For those with gluten sensitivity, you can still enjoy this dish. Use gluten-free pasta, like chickpea or brown rice spaghetti. These alternatives cook well and offer similar textures. Just follow the package instructions for the best results. This way, you keep the flavors while catering to dietary needs. If you want a vegan twist, swap out a few ingredients. Use olive oil instead of butter. For cheese, try a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast. Both options give a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for extra zest. This keeps your dish light and fresh. To kick up the heat, add jalapeños or spicy sausage. Dice fresh jalapeños and toss them in with the garlic. If using sausage, choose a spicy variety and cook it first. Mix it in with the spaghetti for a fiery flavor. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste, making it as spicy as you like. This variation is perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals. To store leftovers, place the garlic Parmesan spaghetti in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to keep the spaghetti longer, freezing is the best option. Place the cooled spaghetti in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then warm it in a pan with a splash of water or broth. In the refrigerator, your garlic Parmesan spaghetti lasts about three days. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to throw it away. To add heat, try more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chili peppers. Jalapeños work well, too. If you want a deeper flavor, add spicy sausage. Just cook it first and mix it in with the garlic. Yes, you can use pre-grated Parmesan cheese. However, fresh cheese has a better taste. Pre-grated cheese may lack the rich flavor and creamy texture of fresh cheese. For the best results, I recommend grating cheese yourself. You can use different herbs to change the flavor. Basil or thyme work great for a twist. Oregano adds a nice touch of warmth. Fresh herbs like chives also brighten the dish. Mix and match to find your favorite. Yes, Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is perfect for meal prep. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers. When you're ready to eat, just heat them together. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty all week. This blog post gave a full guide for making Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfecting your dish. You can also explore variations like gluten-free or vegan options. Remember to store leftovers correctly for the best taste later. Enjoy your cooking journey! This simple yet tasty meal can become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!$

Looking for an easy and delicious meal? Try this Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti recipe! This quick pasta dish combines spaghetti, garlic butter, and fresh Parmesan for a mouthwatering vegetarian spaghetti dinner. Perfect for busy nights, it takes just 20 minutes to prepare! Don't miss out on this flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Save this post for your next dinner inspiration! #GarlicParmesanSpaghetti #QuickPastaDishes #EasySpaghettiRecipe #GarlicButterPasta

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Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a zesty touch)

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Before draining, save 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant but is just shy of turning golden.

Add Red Pepper Flakes: Next, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Stir them into the garlic butter and cook for an additional 30 seconds to allow their heat to infuse into the oil.

Combine Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti straight into the skillet. Toss the pasta vigorously in the garlic butter mixture, ensuring each strand is generously coated.

Incorporate Cheese and Water: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while continuously tossing the spaghetti. If the pasta appears too dry or thick, slowly pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a silky, cohesive sauce.

Season to Taste: Season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you choose to add a burst of brightness, fold in the lemon zest at this stage.

Finishing Touches: Once fully combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley, mixing thoroughly until the ingredients are beautifully united.

- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the spaghetti in pre-warmed bowls, finishing each plate with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley. For an additional pop of flavor, include a lemon wedge on the side to squeeze over just before enjoying!