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Dinner

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This creamy garlic parmesan pasta is a comforting meal that comes together in minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.

By Daily Recipes Bookยท ๐ŸŒ Italianยท July 16, 2026
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
20 minutes
Serves
4

There is nothing quite like a big bowl of pasta after a long day. This dish is a favorite in my house because it uses simple pantry staples to create a rich and satisfying sauce that feels fancy enough for guests but is easy enough for a Tuesday night.

The trick to getting that perfect sauce is to save a little bit of the pasta water before you drain it. That starchy water helps the cheese and garlic coat every single strand of noodles perfectly.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.

  2. 2

    Before draining the pasta, carefully scoop out about half a cup of the starchy cooking water and set it aside.

  3. 3

    In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sautรฉ for about one minute until it smells fragrant but not brown.

  4. 4

    Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and let it simmer gently for two minutes.

  5. 5

    Turn the heat to low and stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and melted.

  6. 6

    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little of the saved pasta water until you reach your favorite consistency.

  7. 7

    Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, add a tiny splash of milk or water to the pan to bring the creamy sauce back to life.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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