Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

$To make this tasty dish, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz spaghetti - 4 tablespoons butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat) For the best flavors in your creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti, choose quality products. Here are my top picks: - Spaghetti: Barilla or De Cecco are great choices for texture and taste. - Butter: Use unsalted butter like Kerrygold for a rich flavor. - Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own from a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best taste. - Heavy Cream: Look for organic brands like Organic Valley for a creamy finish. If you need to swap some ingredients, here are my suggestions: - Spaghetti: Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option. - Butter: Substitute with olive oil for a lighter option. - Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half for a lower fat option, but it may be less creamy. - Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano works well if you prefer a sharper flavor. - Fresh Parsley: Basil or chives can add a nice touch if parsley is not available. These swaps keep the dish flavorful while accommodating your needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti and set it aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want it to be fragrant but not brown. If it browns, it can taste bitter. Now, let’s make the sauce creamy. - Incorporating the Spaghetti: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Stir well and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix. After that, gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and you have a smooth sauce. - Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water. This will help reach the right consistency. Once the sauce is creamy, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss it well to coat the pasta in the sauce. Finally, season with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and salt to taste. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top! To make your spaghetti creamy, use heavy cream. It gives a rich texture. Add cheese slowly as it melts. This keeps the sauce smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit of pasta water. This helps to loosen it. Always stir well to mix everything. For the best results, avoid high heat. It can curdle the cream. To boost flavor, try fresh garlic. Fresh garlic has a strong taste compared to jarred. You can also add herbs like basil or thyme. They add freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives some heat. If you like zest, add lemon juice. It brightens the flavors. Taste your sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. One mistake is overcooking the spaghetti. Cook it until al dente for the best texture. Don't skip reserving pasta water; it helps with sauce consistency. Another common error is adding cheese too fast. It can clump together. Stir it in gradually for a smooth sauce. Lastly, avoid using low-fat cream. It won't give you that creamy mouthfeel you want. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will give your dish a more robust and flavorful taste compared to pre-minced garlic. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a great way to adjust the sauce's consistency without losing flavor. Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the overall creaminess of the sauce. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti. Chicken breast works well. Simply cook it in the skillet before adding garlic. Shrimp also adds a nice touch. Just sauté them until they turn pink. Both options make the dish heartier and more filling. For a tasty twist, add vegetables to your spaghetti. Spinach is a great choice. It wilts quickly and adds color. Mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor. Sauté them with the garlic until they soften. This makes your meal more balanced and colorful. You can adapt this recipe for different diets. Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free option. For a vegan version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese, giving a cheesy flavor without dairy. These simple swaps keep the dish delicious for everyone. To keep your creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti fresh, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact and the pasta safe to eat later. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheat with care. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to prevent it from drying out. Stir gently until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the creaminess and flavor. You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label with the date. It can last up to two months in the freezer. To eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently to enjoy that creamy goodness again. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the spaghetti and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and pasta together in a skillet. This helps keep it creamy and fresh. To add spice, use red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. You can also add chopped fresh chili peppers or hot sauce for more heat. Mix these into the creamy sauce for a tasty kick. This dish pairs well with many sides. Try garlic bread for a classic touch. A simple salad adds freshness. You could also serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. - How to make it vegetarian? To make it vegetarian, skip any meat. Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms instead. This adds flavor and nutrition without losing creaminess. - Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use different cheeses. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or goat cheese for tang. Just remember, different cheeses may change the flavor. Adjust the amount based on taste preferences. This blog post guides you through making creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great flavor. You also learned about variations and storage options. Remember, small changes can boost the taste! If you try different proteins or veggies, find what you love best. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal every time. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

A rich and creamy pasta dish made with garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
to taste salt
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Stir well and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer.
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce, tossing until the pasta is well coated. Season with black pepper and salt to taste. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Notes

Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. For an extra touch, drizzle with a little olive oil or add some halved cherry tomatoes for color.

Keyword creamy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta, spaghetti