Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
A delightful and comforting spaghetti dish featuring garlic, creamy cheese, and rich parmesan, perfect for family meals or entertaining friends.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced for that punch of flavor
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter feel free to use a vegan alternative
- 1 cup heavy cream or swap for half-and-half for a lighter option
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese use a good quality for the best flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste; season to bring out the flavors
- Fresh parsley, chopped for a pop of color and freshness
Instructions
Cooking the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Creating the Garlic-Infused Base
- In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. As it begins to bubble, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden; be careful not to burn it!
Adding the Cream
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Incorporating the Cheese
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a velvety smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Tossing it All Together
- Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring each strand of pasta is bathed in that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Seasoning and Serving
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color. Serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for additional flavor. You can also include herbs like basil or thyme.