Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

This creamy garlic parmesan pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 20 minutes. With its silky sauce, aromatic garlic, and rich parmesan flavor, this dish has become a family favorite in countless homes. The best part? You likely already have all the ingredients in your pantry. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This garlic parmesan pasta recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. The combination of creamy texture and savory garlic-parmesan flavor creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

The sauce comes together in the same amount of time it takes to cook the pasta, making this truly a 20-minute meal from start to finish. And while it’s satisfying on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile as a base for adding protein or vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound (16 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth (reduced sodium recommended)
• 1 cup whole milk (or half and half for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh)

The Secret to Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

For the best results, always use freshly grated parmesan cheese from a block rather than pre-shredded or grated varieties. Pre-packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy instead of silky smooth. Taking the extra minute to grate your own cheese makes all the difference in the final texture of your pasta.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the water (this seasons the pasta). Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it.
2. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux (this will thicken your sauce).
3. Add Liquids Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Then add the milk, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Reduce heat if needed to prevent the sauce from boiling too vigorously.
4. Finish the Sauce Once the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove the pan from heat. Add the parmesan cheese and dried parsley, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine and Serve Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss until all the pasta is evenly coated. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately with additional grated parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Sauce Thickness: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools and after you add the cheese. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
• Cheese Quality: Always use a block of high-quality parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Heat Management: Turn off the heat before adding the parmesan cheese. If the base is too hot, the dairy can separate, resulting in a grainy texture instead of a creamy one.
• Pasta Choice: Larger tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni, penne, or ziti works best as they capture more sauce inside the pasta.
• Garlic Options: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic paste from a tube (found in the produce section) is a convenient alternative.

Delicious Variations and Add-ins

Add Protein

Transform this into a complete meal by adding:

• Grilled or rotisserie chicken
• Sautéed shrimp or scallops
• Italian sausage or ground beef
• Crispy bacon pieces

Add Vegetables

Boost nutrition and color with:

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus
• Wilted spinach or kale
• Roasted cherry tomatoes
• Roasted red peppers

Flavor Boosters

Enhance the flavor profile with:

• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh herbs like basil or thyme
• Lemon zest and juice for brightness
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• A splash of white wine in the sauce

Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic parmesan pasta makes a satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with several side dishes to create a complete dinner experience. Here are some perfect pairings:

• Garlic Bread: The ultimate companion to any pasta dish, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition.
• Grilled Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a protein-packed meal.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store and Reheat Your Pasta

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: While possible to freeze for up to 3 months, the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Microwave Option: If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (16 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth (reduced sodium)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh)

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (1/4 of recipe):

• Calories: 470
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 730mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese and parsley until smooth.
6. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
7. Serve immediately with additional grated parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While larger pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, and fettuccine work best because they hold more sauce, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Just note that cooking times may vary depending on the pasta shape and thickness.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter, and use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. For the parmesan, look for a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Why is my sauce grainy instead of smooth?

This usually happens for one of two reasons: either the heat was too high when adding the cheese (causing it to separate), or pre-shredded cheese was used (which contains anti-caking agents). For a smooth sauce, always remove the pan from heat before adding freshly grated parmesan cheese, and stir continuously as it melts.

Can I make this ahead of time?

For best results, this pasta should be served immediately after cooking. However, you can prepare the sauce up to the point of adding the cheese, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently, add the cheese, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Ready to Enjoy Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This creamy garlic parmesan pasta recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. With just a few pantry staples and about 20 minutes, you can treat yourself and your loved ones to a comforting, delicious pasta dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables, this versatile recipe is bound to please even the pickiest eaters. We’d love to hear how your creamy garlic parmesan pasta turned out! Leave a rating below and let us know what variations you tried.

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