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Creamy garlic parmesan pasta with parsley and grated cheese

Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

A quick and cozy creamy garlic parmesan pasta made with simple ingredients, tender pasta, fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and a rich creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or easy comfort food dinners.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta such as fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti, or penne
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional
  • Extra parmesan optional for serving
  • Red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 colander
  • 1 tongs

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente.
  2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
  8. Toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
  9. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
  10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  11. Top with parsley, extra parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  12. Serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Save pasta water before draining because it helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk, cream, or water.