The Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta!
- Ingredients & Equipment for the Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Getting Your Ducks in a Row
- Making the Magic Happen: Step-by-Step
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe Easy : Pro Tips from the Kitchen
- Recipe Notes for Your Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta!
Fancy a bowl of pure comfort? I reckon you do.
Quick Hook
Ever crave something ridiculously delicious? This Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the answer. It's seriously creamy, cheesy, and packed with garlicky goodness.
Brief Overview
This dish is Italian American Pasta Dishes done right. Think easy weeknight dinners levels of simple. It's ready in just 20 minutes , serving 4 people . Proper lush, innit?
Main Benefits
Honestly, this is the best kind of comfort food pasta recipes . It's guaranteed to satisfy even the easy dinners picky eaters .
And hello, who doesn't love a dish swimming in cheese?
Right then, let's gather the bits and bobs we'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta . It's surprisingly simple, honestly. You probably have half the stuff already.
We are diving into creamy pasta dishes recipes like a pro!
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) pasta . Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work great. I usually go for spaghetti.
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter . Go for a decent quality butter. It really does make a difference.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced . That's about 2 tablespoons . Don't skimp!
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream . This is where the creaminess comes from. Pasta recipes with half and half work, but it is not the same.
- ½ cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese . Plus, extra for serving, of course! Get a block and grate it yourself. Trust me, it's worth it.
- ¼ cup (60ml) pasta water . Don't forget to reserve this!
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). I like a little kick.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley . For a bit of green.
Seasoning Notes
Garlic and Parmesan are the stars. I like to add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce sometimes. It adds a little something extra.
For flavor enhancers and aromatics , a little white pepper is lovely. If you don't have heavy cream, half and-half can work, but the sauce won't be as rich.
It's about those essential spice combinations , innit?
Equipment Needed
You don't need anything fancy.
- Large pot.
- Colander.
- Large skillet or saucepan.
- Cheese grater.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
No need for a fancy pasta maker here. A decent saucepan is all you need. If you don't have a cheese grater, a vegetable peeler can work in a pinch for parmesan pasta sauce from scratch , but grating is better.
Seriously. A large bowl would be handy too for serving up this comfort food pasta recipes . It's gonna be lush.
Get ready for easy dinners picky eaters will devour! It is the garlic parmesan pasta recipe easy to make at home!
Right, let's whip up this ridiculously easy and tasty Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta ! Honestly, sometimes the simplest things are the best, and this is definitely one of those times.
You know? Like a proper hug in a bowl, especially when it's cold outside!
Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Essential Mise en Place
First things first, let's get everything ready. This is your essential mise en place. This means having your 450g of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine or linguine are ideal) ready to go.
Chop 6 cloves of garlic (aim for about 2 tablespoons minced), grate about 60g of proper Parmesan (the pre-grated stuff just isn't the same, trust me!), and measure out the 115g of butter and the 240ml of cream.
Time Saving Organization Tips
While the pasta water's coming to a boil, get the butter melting in your skillet. This means fewer things to do at once. Time is money, innit?
Making the Magic Happen: step-by-step
How To Prepare Comfort Food Pasta Recipes
- Cook the Pasta: Chuck your pasta into a large pot of boiling, salted water. Cook it until it's al dente, which usually takes around 8- 10 minutes . Make sure you set a timer!
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before you drain the pasta, save about 60ml (¼ cup) of that starchy pasta water. This is liquid gold .
- Sauté the Garlic: In that skillet with the melted butter, chuck in the minced garlic. Sauté it over medium heat for about 1- 2 minutes . Do not let it burn! Burnt garlic is the devil.
- Creamy Dreamy Time: Stir in the 240ml of heavy cream and 60g of parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is nice and smooth.
- Nail the Consistency: If the sauce is looking a bit thick, add a tablespoon or two of that reserved pasta water until it's just right .
- Combine and Serve: Now, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Make sure every strand is coated. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you fancy. Serve it up immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe Easy : Pro Tips from the Kitchen
Easy Dinners Picky Eaters Love
- Starchy Water Is Your Friend: I can't stress this enough, that pasta water is the key to a creamy sauce. It helps emulsify the fats and cheese.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Nobody likes mushy pasta. Al dente means "to the tooth." A little bit of bite is what you want.
- For Parmesan Pasta Sauce From Scratch Try a Vegetarian Option with mushroom, spinach, or broccoli.
And that's it! Seriously, you've just made the Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta . Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Right then, let's chat about some bits and bobs to make your Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe Easy experience even better.
Honestly, even the simplest dish has a few secrets, doesn't it? This Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta is no exception.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Fancy it up a bit, yeah? Twirl the Pasta Garlic Parmesan onto plates using tongs. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan. A sprig of parsley makes it look posh.
Garlic bread on the side? Absolute winner. A crisp green salad cuts through the richness too. A simple Pinot Grigio also does wonders!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the creamy pasta dishes recipes into an airtight container. Fridge it up for up to 3 days .
Reheat gently on the hob with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezing isn't ideal. The sauce can split.
However, if you must, freeze for up to 1 month . Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Variations: Spicing Things Up (or Down)
Want to mix it up a bit? Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a lemon garlic parmesan kick! Throw in some cooked chicken for a more substantial cheesy pasta dinner recipes .
Veggie? Sauté some mushrooms or spinach. For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half and-half for the heavy cream, but honestly, the richness is part of the magic! Feel free to use vegetable oil instead of butter for a healthier version.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Alright, let's be real. This is comfort food pasta recipes , not a salad. But it’s still got some good stuff! You get protein from the Parmesan.
Carbs from the pasta give you energy. The Garlic Parmesan Pasta itself boosts your immune system. Remember, moderation is key, even with Italian American pasta dishes ! This recipe is perfect for Easy Dinners Picky Eaters will enjoy.
So there you have it. All the insider info to make your Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta experience truly top-notch. Now, get cooking and enjoy! Seriously, you’ve got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to making the Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta incredibly creamy?
The key is the reserved pasta water! It's like liquid gold, full of starch that helps emulsify the sauce and bind it beautifully to the pasta. Also, don't skimp on the Parmesan freshly grated is a game changer because it melts so much better than the pre-grated stuff you find in the supermarket, innit?
Can I add protein to this Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe to make it a full meal?
Absolutely, mate! Cooked chicken breast or shrimp would be fantastic additions, transforming it into a heartier meal. You could even toss in some pre-cooked Italian sausage for a bit of a kick. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, try adding some crispy bacon bits - now that's what I call proper grub!
How do I store leftover Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce, as it tends to thicken as it cools.
A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle reheat on the hob should do the trick, just don't overdo it or the pasta might get a bit soggy.
I'm not a fan of heavy cream; is there a lighter alternative I can use for this garlic parmesan pasta?
Yeah, no worries! You can substitute half and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream to lighten things up a bit, but keep in mind that the sauce won't be quite as rich and thick. To compensate, you could add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a knob of butter to the sauce for extra creaminess.
Consider this your chance to have a crack at some culinary experimenting!
Can I make a vegetarian version of this Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe?
Of course! This dish is naturally vegetarian as is, but if you want to jazz it up with some extra veggies, go for it! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or roasted cherry tomatoes would all be delicious additions.
A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts would also add a lovely bit of texture and flavour, especially if you're trying to up the nutrition!
How can I prevent the garlic from burning when I make the sauce?
Burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish, so you've got to be careful! Use medium low heat when sautéing the garlic and keep a close eye on it. Stir it frequently and remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, usually after just 1-2 minutes.
Remember, it will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat, so don't wait until it's dark brown!
The Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 0g |
