Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines the richness of parmesan cheese and the bold taste of garlic with tender pasta. It’s loved for its simplicity and is perfect as a main course or a delightful side.
The History of Garlic Parmesan Pasta
The roots of garlic parmesan pasta can be traced to classic Italian cuisine, where garlic and cheese are staples. Over time, this combination became popular worldwide for its simplicity and comforting flavors, with variations emerging in many cuisines.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Pasta (Spaghetti, Fettuccine, or your choice)
- Garlic – Fresh and minced for a robust flavor
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a creamy, savory taste
- Butter – For richness and a velvety texture
- Heavy Cream or Milk – Enhances creaminess (optional)
- Olive Oil – Adds a mild fruity flavor
- Salt and Pepper – To taste
- Fresh Parsley or Basil – Adds freshness and color
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Cook the Pasta: In salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden.
- Create the Sauce: Reduce heat, add the cream (if using), and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Combine with Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh parsley or basil and additional parmesan, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will yield a more vibrant taste.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep pasta al dente for better texture.
Variations and Customizations
- Add Protein: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Vegetable Additions: Broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes complement the flavors.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
This dish is rich in calories and fat, especially when using butter and cream. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with milk, or try whole-grain pasta for added fiber. Parmesan cheese offers protein and calcium but should be enjoyed in moderation for a balanced diet.
FAQ
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.
- What can I use instead of Parmesan?
- Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used as alternatives.
- How long will leftovers last?
- Stored in an airtight container, it lasts 2-3 days in the fridge.
garlic parmesan pasta
Cook pasta until al dente, then toss in a skillet with melted butter, minced garlic, and grated parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley, then serve warm.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 3 Tablespoons butter divided
- 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta
- Fresh Parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Note: Angel hair cooks very quickly. Refer to the time on package and set a timer to avoid overcooking it in the sauce in step 6, as overcooked noodles become clumpy.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside to allow it to get to room temperature.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chicken broth and optional seasoning mix. Slowly add the milk, stirring as you do so. Bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta noodles. You can break them in half for a better fit, or allow them to heat and use kitchen tongs to twist them into the skillet as they soften.
- Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the noodles don’t stick together. Reduce heat to low.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the warm pasta and toss to coat.
- Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring as you do so, until smooth and well-combined. Note: The sauce will be thin at first but will thicken nicely upon standing. The pasta will continue to absorb more of the sauce as well.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with Garlic Bread with Cheese!
Notes
Pro Tips:
If you prefer to use regular spaghetti: Add an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth, an extra 1/2 cup of milk, and up to 1/3 cup more cheese. You’ll need about 12-15 minutes of cooking time, refer to the package for guidance on how much time is needed to cook the pasta.
Serve this with:
- Make sure the liquid is boiling when the pasta is added for the right consistency.
- The video shows this being made with half and half. I tend to use milk now, as the sauce ends up thickening up just a tad more than I would like with half and half, but I have successfully made it with either one! 🙂
- Purchase a block of high-quality Parmesan cheese. Always shred the cheese yourself, it will taste and melt much better. I use Belgioioso Parmesan cheese. Note that cheese that is very aged will not melt as well.
- Turn off the heat before adding the cheese, if the base is too hot, the dairy will separate and you’ll have a grainy consistency instead of creamy.
- Add the cheese gradually as opposed to all at once. Stir it continuously as it’s added.
- Adding Chicken: If you’d like to add chicken to this, try my Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken! It’s like an amped up version of this recipe!
If you prefer to use regular spaghetti: Add an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth, an extra 1/2 cup of milk, and up to 1/3 cup more cheese. You’ll need about 12-15 minutes of cooking time, refer to the package for guidance on how much time is needed to cook the pasta.
Serve this with:
- Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Chicken Piccata
- Creamy Lemon Chicken
- Chicken Florentine
- Garlic Bread with Cheese
- Roasted Broccoli
