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To make this tasty dish, you need: - 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce. The garlic brings a strong flavor, while the Parmesan adds a nice salty touch. You may not have all the ingredients on hand. Here are some easy swaps: - For pasta, use any shape you like, such as penne or rotini. - If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream. - You can replace unsalted butter with olive oil for a lighter taste. - Use nutritional yeast if you want a vegan alternative to Parmesan. These substitutes help you make this dish even if you're missing something. To cook this dish, you'll need: - A large pot for boiling water - A colander for draining pasta - A large skillet for making the sauce - A wooden spoon for stirring Having these tools ready will help you cook faster and easier. Don't forget to use the Full Recipe for all the steps! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once it’s boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside while you make the sauce. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As it melts, it will bubble and smell great. Add 4 finely minced cloves of garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, but don’t let it brown; you want it to be fragrant. If you like heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and stir for 30 seconds. Next, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Let it warm for 2-3 minutes. Gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach the right consistency. Finally, season with kosher salt, black pepper, and the zest of one lemon for some bright flavor. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss the pasta to coat each strand in the creamy sauce. Heat everything together for one more minute to meld the flavors. Once it’s warmed through, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley just before serving. This adds a fresh touch that looks great. Serve your Garlic Parmesan Pasta in warm bowls, and enjoy this simple and flavorful delight! For the full recipe, check out the original details. To keep your pasta from getting mushy, follow these steps: - Use a large pot with plenty of boiling water. - Add a generous amount of salt to the water. - Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it has a slight firmness. - Always check the package for cooking times. - Set a timer and taste a strand a minute before the time is up. This way, you keep the perfect texture! To make your sauce creamy, follow these tips: - Use heavy cream for the richest flavor. - Heat the cream slowly and stir it well. - Gradually add the Parmesan cheese while stirring. - If your sauce gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water little by little. This will help you reach that dreamy, creamy consistency you want. Want to elevate your dish? Here are some fun ideas: - Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. - Stir in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra depth. - Try using fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a burst of flavor. - For more heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes. These simple tweaks can change the whole dish! For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Parmesan Pasta 🧄 recipe section. {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegetarian by skipping meat and adding veggies. Try bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them in butter before adding garlic. This way, they soak up the rich flavors. You can also add some fresh peas or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and taste. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with these veggies, making it hearty and satisfying. For a protein boost, add chicken, shrimp, or tofu. If using chicken, cook it in the skillet first. Slice it into strips and toss it with the pasta and sauce. For shrimp, simply sauté them until pink and tender. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu. Press it to remove moisture, then cube and fry until golden. Each protein option adds a unique flavor and texture. If you need gluten-free pasta, options are abundant. Look for brown rice or chickpea pasta. These types hold up well in the sauce. Always check the package for cooking times, as they may differ from regular pasta. You can still enjoy the same rich garlic and parmesan flavor without gluten. Just prepare the sauce as usual and combine it with your chosen gluten-free pasta. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. Enjoy your cooking adventure! To store your Garlic Parmesan Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty for later. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, move to the next step. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or the stove. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it from drying out. Heat it in short bursts until warm. If using the stove, add the pasta to a pan on low heat. Stir gently until heated through. This helps maintain the creamy sauce. If you have more than you can eat, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool down. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some room at the top, as it may expand. You can keep it frozen for about one month. To enjoy later, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavors and texture nice. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. You can pair Garlic Parmesan Pasta with many tasty sides. A fresh green salad works well. You can add crunchy romaine, juicy tomatoes, and a light dressing. Garlic bread is another great choice. The warm bread complements the pasta's flavors perfectly. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp adds heartiness. You can also serve it with steamed veggies for a healthy touch. To add heat, use red pepper flakes. You can start with one teaspoon in the sauce. If you like it hotter, add more to taste. Try fresh diced jalapeños or crushed chili peppers for extra spice. You could also mix in a dash of hot sauce. Just be careful; a little goes a long way! Yes, you can use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese. It saves time and still tastes good. However, fresh cheese gives a better flavor and melts more smoothly. If you want the best result, grate it yourself. The texture and taste will enhance your dish. For a simple meal, pre-shredded works just fine! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section above. Garlic Parmesan pasta is easy and tasty. We covered the key ingredients, helpful tools, and clear steps to make it. I shared tips to ensure creamy sauce, the best ways to store leftovers, and fun variations to suit your taste. Now you can enjoy this dish in many ways. Experiment with flavors and spices to make it personal. Your kitchen can be full of flavor with these simple ideas. Enjoy your cooking!

- Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Garlic Parmesan Pasta with this easy and delicious recipe! Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish features al dente spaghetti coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Learn how to create this mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this culinary delight to your table!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it's bubbling and fragrant. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes until it's aromatic, taking care not to let it brown.

      If you enjoy a spicy kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir for an extra 30 seconds to infuse their flavor into the butter.

        Reduce the heat to medium-low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine. Allow the mixture to warm through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

          Gradually fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If your sauce seems too thick, slowly incorporate some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

            Taste the sauce and season with kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and the invigorating zest of the lemon for brightness.

              Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure every strand is well-coated. Heat everything together for an additional minute to allow flavors to meld.

                Once heated through, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh touch just before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the Garlic Parmesan Pasta in warm, shallow bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan for a savory finish and a sprig of parsley for color. For added richness and a beautiful sheen, consider drizzling a small amount of high-quality olive oil on top before serving. Enjoy!