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Creamy Butter Parmesan Pasta

creamy butter Parmesan pasta - featured image

A quick and easy pasta recipe with a creamy butter and Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (around 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Gradually sprinkle in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
  5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and adjust as needed.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs to toss the pasta until it’s evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

[‘Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.’, ‘Salt your pasta water generously for better flavor.’, ‘Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.’, ‘Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, creamy butter Parmesan pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food