Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and comforting Italian-American pasta dish that features fettuccine or linguine coated in a silky garlic cream sauce enriched with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe takes just 30 minutes, making it an ideal main course or a flavorful side dish to complement grilled chicken or shrimp.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, which enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in 1½ cups of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, pairing it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a heartier meal if desired.
Notes
- For a heartier dish, add grilled chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, or spinach to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt as well.
- Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American