Some pasta recipes need a long sauce simmer.
This one does not.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is rich, silky and full of flavor, but it comes together in about 20 minutes.
The sauce is built from butter, garlic, cream, Parmesan and a little pasta water.
That is it.
Simple ingredients, one pan, and a restaurant-style result.
Ingredients
You need:
- 12 oz spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- salt and black pepper
- optional parsley and chili flakes
How to make it
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente.
Before draining, save about ½ cup of pasta water.
That starchy water is one of the secrets to a smooth sauce.
2. Start the garlic butter
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Do not let it brown.
You want the garlic fragrant, not bitter.
3. Add the cream
Pour in the heavy cream.
Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
Lower the heat.
4. Add Parmesan
Stir in the grated Parmesan a little at a time.
Keep stirring until the cheese melts into the cream.
If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Toss everything together
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet.
Toss until every strand is coated in sauce.
Season with black pepper and a little salt if needed.
Finish with parsley or chili flakes.
The secret to a silky sauce
Use freshly grated Parmesan.
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less smooth.
Also, keep the heat low once the cheese goes in.
High heat can cause the Parmesan to clump or separate.
Make it even better
You can add:
- grilled chicken
- shrimp
- crispy bacon
- mushrooms
- spinach
- sun-dried tomatoes
For a brighter finish, add a squeeze of lemon just before serving.
Why this recipe works
The pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
The butter adds richness.
The cream keeps everything smooth.
The Parmesan adds saltiness and depth.
And the garlic makes the whole kitchen smell like dinner is going to be very good.
Best of all, you can make it faster than ordering takeout.
