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To make this rich and creamy dish, you will need: - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste These ingredients create a base that is both simple and full of flavor. The fettuccine provides a nice texture, while the garlic and Parmesan give it that classic taste. You can elevate your dish with a few simple garnishes: - Fresh parsley, finely chopped This adds a pop of color and freshness. You might also consider extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish. For this recipe, you will need: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for making the sauce - A whisk for mixing - A colander for draining the pasta These tools make the cooking process smooth and efficient. With everything ready, you can focus on creating your delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta. First, you need a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, add your fettuccine pasta. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, or follow the package instructions. When done, drain the pasta but save about ½ cup of the starchy water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add three tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely. Once melted, add four cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. Stir it often. You want it to be fragrant and golden, but not burnt. Keep an eye on it to avoid any dark spots. Now, carefully pour in one cup of heavy cream into the skillet. Turn the heat up a bit to bring it to a gentle simmer. Let the cream cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir it occasionally as it thickens. This is where the magic begins! Once the cream has thickened, lower the heat to medium-low. Gradually add in one cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts completely. This should create a creamy and smooth sauce. Next, add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce. Then, sprinkle in salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If your sauce feels too thick, use that saved pasta water. Add a little at a time until you reach the right consistency. Now, it's time to bring it all together! Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta so it gets fully coated in the garlic Parmesan sauce. Make sure every strand of pasta is covered in that rich, creamy goodness. Remove the skillet from the heat. For a beautiful finish, garnish your pasta with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve it hot in shallow pasta bowls. You can even add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for that extra touch. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish! To cook pasta just right, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Check the package for the exact time. Taste a piece to see if it has a slight bite. This is called al dente, which means "to the tooth" in Italian. It gives the pasta a nice texture. If it’s too soft, it won’t hold the sauce well. When picking Parmesan, always go for the real stuff. Look for Parmigiano-Reggiano. This cheese has a rich taste that makes your dish shine. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated. It also adds a creamier texture. If you can, grate it just before using. The flavor will be much stronger. If your sauce gets too thick, don’t worry! Just add a little of the starchy pasta water you saved. Start with one tablespoon and stir well. Repeat until you reach the creaminess you like. The pasta water helps the sauce stick better to the noodles. To boost the flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or thyme work well with garlic. A squeeze of lemon juice can add a nice zing too. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to make it perfect for you. These tiny changes can make a big difference! {{image_4}} You can easily add vegetables to garlic Parmesan pasta. Spinach adds a nice color and taste. Just toss in fresh spinach near the end of cooking. It wilts down fast and blends well. Mushrooms also work great. Sauté sliced mushrooms in the butter with garlic. This adds a rich, earthy flavor. You could also try bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. They all bring unique tastes and textures. Adding protein turns this dish into a full meal. Cooked chicken is a top choice. Simply slice it and mix it in before serving. Shrimp is another tasty option. Sauté shrimp in the butter until pink, then add garlic. The shrimp will soak up the sauce's flavor. You can also use cooked sausage or even tofu for a twist. Each protein adds its special taste to the creamy pasta. To make garlic Parmesan pasta vegan, swap the cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. This keeps it rich and creamy. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. It has a cheesy flavor that works well. Choose vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. Your vegan pasta will still be full of flavor and satisfying. Enjoy a delicious meal that fits your needs! After enjoying your Garlic Parmesan Pasta, let it cool down. Place any leftovers in a container. Make sure it is airtight to keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat your pasta, first, take it out of the fridge. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover the pasta and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or cream to help it stay moist. Heat over low heat until warm. The best containers for pasta storage are glass or plastic. Make sure they are BPA-free. Glass containers are great for the fridge and can also go into the microwave. Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to stack. Just ensure they have tight-fitting lids to keep air out. You can make this dish vegan by swapping a few key ingredients. Use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter. For the cream, choose full-fat coconut milk or a nut-based cream. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. This gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. This pasta pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread complements the flavors nicely. Grilled vegetables or roasted asparagus also work well. For protein, try grilled chicken or shrimp on the side. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. Penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta will work. Just cook according to the package instructions. Keep an eye on the cooking time for other shapes. This dish stays good in the fridge for about three to four days. Store it in an airtight container for best results. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave when you're ready to enjoy it again. Yes, you can freeze this pasta. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for about one to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This blog post guides you through making Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We covered the main ingredients and optional garnishes. You learned step-by-step how to cook the pasta, sauté garlic, and make a creamy sauce. We also shared tips to perfect your dish, variations for added flavor, and storage advice. Now, you can enjoy a delicious meal that suits your taste. With simple tweaks, this dish can fit any diet. Get cooking and share your tasty pasta with friends and family!

Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in a creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Fettuccine Delight that’s perfect for any occasion! This simple recipe combines al dente fettuccine with sautéed garlic, rich heavy cream, and fresh Parmesan cheese for a mouthwatering taste. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy meal you can whip up any night. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your pasta game with this delicious dish!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Fettuccine: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Set the drained pasta aside.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Once the butter has fully melted, introduce the minced garlic into the pan. Sauté the garlic for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.

      Create the Cream Sauce: Carefully pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream begins to thicken slightly.

        Incorporate Parmesan: Lower the heat to medium-low. Gradually add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese has completely melted, resulting in a creamy and velvety sauce.

          Season the Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually incorporate a small amount of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

            Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine into the skillet, gently tossing the pasta to ensure it is thoroughly coated with the luscious garlic Parmesan sauce.

              Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the pasta with a generous sprinkling of finely chopped fresh parsley. Plate immediately and enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors!

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the fettuccine in shallow pasta bowls, adding extra Parmesan and a sprig of parsley on top for an appealing finish.