Description
A quick and easy Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe that combines tender pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce, creamy Parmesan cheese, and a touch of fresh parsley. Perfect for a comforting meal in just 15 minutes, this dish is simple yet flavorful, ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner for two.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or preferred type)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, allowing the garlic flavor to infuse the butter.
- Toss the pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it vigorously in the garlic butter mixture to coat the noodles evenly.
- Add cheese and adjust consistency: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water, tossing everything together to create a creamy sauce. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Season and garnish: Season the pasta generously with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta cooking water as it helps to create a silky sauce and improves texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- If you prefer, you can substitute butter with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- To make it vegan, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and Parmesan with nutritional yeast, but note the taste will differ.
- Cook garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Garnish with parsley adds freshness and a pop of color but is optional.
