Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
A comforting bowl of spaghetti infused with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz Spaghetti Feel free to swap for gluten-free pasta if needed.
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter You could use olive oil for a lighter touch.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced Roast it for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half can be a lighter alternative.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Use fresh for the best melt; Pecorino Romano works well too.
- to taste Salt Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- to taste Pepper Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley For garnish; basil also makes a lovely substitute.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to bubble and gives off a nutty aroma.
- Add the minced garlic to the butter, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be cautious not to brown it.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine and let it simmer for around 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, coating every strand generously. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate your cheesy creation, topping it with fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
Consider adding sautéed veggies or proteins for variations. Quality cheese enhances the experience; don't rush the garlic sautéing, and save the pasta water for sauce adjustments.