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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Velvety Sauce

creamy garlic parmesan pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with a rich, velvety sauce made from simple pantry staples. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine, cooked al dente
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of spaghetti or fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt 3 tablespoons (42g) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Slowly pour in 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and let the cream warm through for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
  4. Gradually sprinkle in 1 cup (100g) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the cream, creating a thick, velvety sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, plus a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir well to combine and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every strand in the sauce. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to let flavors marry. Add more pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, herbaceous note.
  8. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Heat cream gently to prevent curdling. Toss pasta in sauce off heat to avoid thickening too much or becoming gluey. When reheating leftovers, warm gently with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan pasta, easy pasta recipe, homemade pasta sauce, quick dinner, comfort food, garlic pasta, parmesan sauce