Description
This creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti is a rich and comforting dish made with butter, cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic. The creamy sauce coats al dente spaghetti, creating a flavorful, indulgent meal that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti (high-quality dried spaghetti)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz. softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted, then gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water and stir until the sauce is creamy. Adjust the amount of pasta water for your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce. Continue to toss for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is well-coated and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a heartier dish, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- For a vegetarian version, sauté vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini and add them to the pasta.
- To make the sauce lighter, use lower-fat cream cheese or a smaller amount of butter and add more pasta water.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by adding a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
