Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti. This easy recipe features perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in a velvety sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It's a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Colander
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Garlic mincer
- Cheese grater
- Tongs or pasta fork
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 quarts water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
- Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, Parmesan is already salty, so start with a little and add more if needed.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting. Don't overcook the pasta. Adjust the garlic to your liking. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to make it a complete meal. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.