Luscious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

$- 200g spaghetti - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Red pepper flakes (optional) These ingredients create a rich and tasty meal. The spaghetti serves as a base, while the butter and garlic add depth. Heavy cream makes the dish creamy, and Parmesan gives it a cheesy kick. If you want to change things up, consider these swaps: - Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option. - Replace unsalted butter with olive oil for a lighter flavor. - Swap heavy cream for coconut cream if you want a dairy-free version. - Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a vegan twist. These alternatives keep the dish exciting while catering to dietary needs. To make this creamy pasta, you need: - A large pot for boiling spaghetti - A large skillet for the sauce - A colander to drain the pasta - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring - A measuring cup for cream and cheese - A knife and cutting board for garlic and parsley Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Bring it to a vigorous boil. Add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the spaghetti. Toss in 200g of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save about 1 cup of the pasta water for later. This water can help adjust the sauce's thickness. Now, grab a large skillet. Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently to keep it from burning. You want the garlic to be soft and fragrant, not brown. This step adds a rich flavor to the dish. Next, it’s time to create the creamy base. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir continuously to keep the mixture smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble softly for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and become rich. Now, add in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Also, mix in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts completely, making a smooth and velvety sauce. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss it gently in the sauce, ensuring every strand is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Mix it in bit by bit until you reach your desired creamy texture. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as you see fit. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Finally, serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color. To get a creamy texture in your pasta, focus on the sauce. Start with butter, then add garlic. Sauté the garlic gently until soft but not brown. Next, pour in the heavy cream. Stir often to keep it smooth. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken. When you mix in the cheese, it creates that rich, creamy feel. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water. Adding a little at a time helps achieve the right consistency. One common mistake is cooking the garlic too long. If it browns, it can taste bitter. Another mistake is not saving enough pasta water. This water is starchy and helps your sauce cling to the spaghetti. Make sure to taste your dish before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. It's better to add a little at a time than to over-season. Lastly, don’t rush the melting of the cheese. Take your time for a smooth sauce. You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti. For a dairy-free version, look for vegan cheese and cream. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier fat. If you're vegan, skip the cheese and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Reserving pasta cooking water is key for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. It helps to emulsify the sauce and ensures it clings beautifully to the spaghetti. Control the Heat: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat on medium to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can add a bitter taste to your dish. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your sauce by adding other herbs or spices, such as basil or oregano, to suit your taste preferences. {{image_4}} You can easily add vegetables to your creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Just toss in a handful of fresh spinach while cooking the sauce. It wilts down quickly and blends well. Mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor. Sauté sliced mushrooms in the butter before adding garlic. This step enhances their taste and adds depth to the dish. Want to make your meal heartier? Add protein like chicken or shrimp. For chicken, cook diced pieces in the skillet until golden. Then, follow the recipe as usual. For shrimp, add them just before the cream. Cook until they turn pink. This method keeps them tender and juicy. Both options make the dish more filling and satisfying. You can change the flavor of this dish easily. A splash of lemon juice brightens it up. Add it right before serving for a fresh taste. Bacon adds a smoky, savory touch. Cook crispy bacon and crumble it on top before serving. Both options give your spaghetti a new twist, making it even more delicious. To store leftover spaghetti, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. When you're ready to eat your leftover spaghetti, you have a few options. You can reheat it in the microwave. Just place it in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. You can also reheat it on the stove. Just add a splash of water or more cream in a pan. Stir over low heat until it’s warm and creamy again. If you want to save your spaghetti for later, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat as I mentioned before. Enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti any time! Yes, you can! To make this creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or corn. Just cook them according to package directions. The sauce remains the same, so you don’t lose flavor. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. Both options will keep the sauce creamy. You can also mix equal parts of milk and butter to mimic the richness of heavy cream. This recipe is almost vegetarian. Just make sure your Parmesan cheese is rennet-free. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. They add nutrients and make the dish heartier. Enjoy your meatless meal! We explored the key ingredients and steps to make creamy spaghetti. You can use simple swaps for dietary needs and avoid common mistakes. I shared tips for texture and flavor variations like adding veggies or proteins. Lastly, proper storage helps keep leftovers fresh. With this knowledge, you can create a tasty dish that meets your needs and preferences. Enjoy cooking and make it your own!$

Luscious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

A rich and creamy spaghetti dish infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

200 g spaghetti
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped
optional Red pepper flakes

Instructions

Boil the Spaghetti: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Add a generous amount of salt, then toss in the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, remembering to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft, making sure it doesn’t turn brown.
Create the Creamy Base: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to bubble softly for about 3-4 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken slightly, making it rich and creamy.
Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely, creating a smooth and velvety sauce.
Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every strand is coated in the luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
Taste and Adjust: Give the dish a taste, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as necessary. If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor.
Plate and Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, elegantly garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Keyword creamy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta, spaghetti