Ahhh yes—Garlic Parmesan Pasta: simple, indulgent, and perfect when you want creamy, garlicky comfort without a million ingredients 🍝🧄🧀.
Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
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8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
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3 tbsp butter
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
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½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
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Optional garnish: chopped parsley
How to Make It
1. Cook Pasta
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Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
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Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté Garlic
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t burn).
3. Combine Pasta & Cheese
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Add drained pasta to the skillet.
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Toss with Parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
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Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Serve
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Plate immediately.
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Top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for freshness.
Tips & Variations
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Creamier: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half.
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Protein boost: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
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Veggie addition: Spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli work beautifully.
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Extra cheesy: Mix Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor.
If you want, I can give a “one-pan ultra-creamy garlic Parmesan pasta” that keeps everything super saucy and requires almost zero cleanup