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To make this creamy garlic parmesan pasta, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 cup of heavy cream - 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) - 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste) - 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for added spice) - 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the rich and creamy flavor we love. The butter adds a smooth base, while the garlic gives a bold taste. Heavy cream makes the sauce luscious, and Parmesan cheese enriches it. Don’t forget to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. The parsley at the end adds a fresh touch and color. You can find the full recipe in the article. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it should have a bit of firmness. Before you drain the pasta, save about 1 cup of the starchy water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In the same pot or a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter starts to foam, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Stir constantly to keep it from burning. You want the garlic to smell great, not brown. Now, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Allow it to bubble softly for about 2-3 minutes. This helps thicken the cream and makes the sauce nice and smooth. Next, gradually add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the cream. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If you like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce. Carefully add the drained pasta to your creamy garlic sauce. Toss gently to make sure every strand is well coated. If the sauce looks too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water. Add it a little at a time until you reach the creaminess you want. Spoon the creamy pasta into deep bowls for a nice presentation. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley. This adds color and freshness to your dish. For a lovely touch, consider adding a slice of garlic bread on the side. Enjoy your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Delight in minutes! To maximize garlic flavor, use fresh cloves. Mince them finely to release more oils. Sauté the garlic gently. This brings out its sweet notes. You can also add herbs like basil or thyme for more depth. A pinch of crushed red pepper can add nice heat. To prevent a broken sauce, keep the heat low. High heat can cause the cream to separate. Stir the sauce gently as you add cheese. This helps it melt smoothly. For perfect pasta, always salt the water. Cook until al dente for the best texture. Serve the creamy pasta in deep, warm bowls. This keeps it cozy and inviting. Top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a lovely look. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp salad for balance. A glass of white wine complements the dish perfectly. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your creamy garlic parmesan pasta. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work great. - Chicken: Use cooked, diced chicken breast. Add it when you mix the pasta with the sauce. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in butter until pink. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add it to your pasta. - Tofu: Use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and pan-fry until golden. Mix it in for a tasty, plant-based option. Adding veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Spinach, mushrooms, or peas are great choices. - Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted. This takes just 1-2 minutes. - Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before adding garlic. This adds a nice earthy flavor. - Peas: Stir in frozen peas at the end. They only need a few minutes to heat through. You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your needs. Here are some ideas. - Gluten-free pasta: Use gluten-free spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook it just like regular pasta. - Dairy-free alternatives: For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for flavor. Explore these variations to make creamy garlic parmesan pasta your own! For the full recipe, check the previous section. To store your creamy garlic parmesan pasta, place it in an airtight container. Cool the pasta to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or pasta water if it seems dry. If you want to freeze your creamy garlic parmesan pasta, follow these steps: - Allow the pasta to cool completely. - Transfer it into freezer-safe bags or containers. - Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove. Be careful, as freezing may change the texture. The sauce might not be as creamy, but the flavor will still be great! The best pasta for this dish is fettuccine or spaghetti. Both types hold the creamy sauce well. Fettuccine has a flat shape, which helps grab the sauce. Spaghetti is long and thin, making it fun to twirl. You can use any pasta you love, but these two work best. You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Cook the pasta and set it aside. Make the sauce and let it cool. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and stir in the pasta. To add spice, include red pepper flakes in the sauce. Start with 1/4 teaspoon for a mild kick. Want more heat? Add extra flakes to taste. You can also use diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to spice it up. Yes! You can make a vegan version of this dish. Use vegan butter and a non-dairy cream like coconut or cashew cream. For cheese, look for vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast. This way, you enjoy the same creamy flavors without dairy. This pasta pairs well with many sides. A fresh salad with lemon dressing adds brightness. Garlic bread is a classic choice for a cozy meal. Consider roasted vegetables for a healthy touch. You can also serve grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. For the full recipe, check the complete section above. In this blog post, we covered the tasty creamy garlic Parmesan pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips to avoid mistakes. I shared ways to enhance flavor and even add protein and veggies. Remember, proper storage can keep leftovers fresh, and creative plating makes a difference. Enjoy experimenting with this dish and customizing it to your taste. Simple steps can lead to a delightful meal every time. Dive in and create something delicious today!

- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

If you're after a quick and delicious meal, try my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta! This simple recipe combines fettuccine, butter, garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese for a delightful dish ready in minutes. Perfect for impressing family or friends, it’s both creamy and comforting. Want to make it your own? Explore variations by adding proteins or veggies for extra flavor. Click through to discover the full recipe and start cooking tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons of unsalted butter

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 cup of heavy cream

1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for added spice)

2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, typically until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Carefully drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Garlic: In the same pot or a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and began to foam, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until fragrant, ensuring it does not turn brown or burn.

      Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble softly for about 2-3 minutes. This will help the cream thicken slightly, enhancing the sauce's texture.

        Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the creamy base along with the salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for heat. Stir continuously until the cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, resulting in a smooth and creamy consistency.

          Combine the Pasta with Sauce: Carefully add the drained pasta to the creamy garlic sauce, tossing gently to ensure each strand is well coated. If the sauce appears too thick for your liking, incrementally stir in some of the reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is achieved.

            Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy pasta into deep bowls. Generously sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and the finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the creamy pasta in well-shaped, deep bowls. Top with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding a few sprigs of parsley or a slice of garlic bread on the side, creating a warm and inviting dining experience.