Savory Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

$To make creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti, gather these simple ingredients: - 200g spaghetti - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) When cooking, precise measurements matter. Here are some tips for substitutions: - If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti. - You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter dish. - Grated Pecorino Romano works well instead of Parmesan if you prefer. - For a vegan version, try using coconut cream and nutritional yeast. Many people have dietary needs. This dish can cater to them. - Gluten-free spaghetti keeps the dish safe for those with gluten issues. - Dairy-free options allow those who avoid dairy to enjoy it too. - Always check labels for gluten and dairy in your substitutes. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 200 grams of spaghetti. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the spaghetti but save one cup of the cooking water. This water helps make the sauce creamy later. Next, grab a large skillet and put it over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. As the butter melts, add 4 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes. You want it to smell yummy but not turn brown. Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well and let it gently simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly during this time. Now, it’s time for the fun part! Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help you get the perfect creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it spicy, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Finally, serve the dish hot and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a touch of color. To get the best creamy sauce, use heavy cream. It gives richness and smoothness. When you add the Parmesan cheese, stir well. This helps it melt evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This makes the sauce silky without losing flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container. They will last up to three days in the fridge. When reheating, use low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir often to keep it creamy and prevent burning. Avoid overcooking the garlic. It should be fragrant, not brown. Brown garlic can taste bitter. Also, do not skip the reserved pasta water. It helps blend the sauce and pasta. Lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning. Each bite should burst with flavor! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor significantly compared to pre-minced or jarred options. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It helps adjust the sauce consistency and adds flavor. Adjust Creaminess: If the sauce gets too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired creaminess. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a refreshing flavor contrast to the rich sauce. {{image_2}} You can make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti even better by adding proteins. Chicken and shrimp are great choices. For chicken, cook bite-sized pieces in the skillet before adding garlic. This gives a tasty flavor. For shrimp, add them just after the garlic. Cook until they turn pink. Both options boost protein and make the meal more filling. Adding vegetables can enhance color and nutrition. Spinach is an easy choice. Toss in fresh spinach while cooking the sauce. It wilts quickly and adds a nice green touch. Cherry tomatoes also work well. Cut them in half and add them to the skillet. They add sweetness and a pop of color. You can mix and match your favorite veggies to suit your taste. Try different cheeses for unique flavors. Goat cheese or feta can add a tangy taste. Just crumble them in when the sauce is hot. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish. Add them at the end for a fresh touch. These creative twists keep the dish exciting and let you showcase your style. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti pairs well with a light white wine. A crisp Pinot Grigio enhances the dish’s flavors. If you prefer red wine, a light Chianti works too. For sides, serve a fresh green salad. Garlic bread also complements this creamy pasta nicely. To make your dish pop, use a large, shallow bowl. Twirl the spaghetti in the center for height. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Add a few red pepper flakes for a spicy touch. Serve with extra Parmesan on the side for guests to add. Add protein to turn this dish into a full meal. Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp works great. You can also mix in vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. These additions boost nutrients and make your dish even tastier. You can use milk or a mix of milk and flour. This will help thicken the sauce. You can also try using cashew cream for a dairy-free option. Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. This gives a nice creamy texture too. You can serve this dish with a fresh salad. A simple green salad works great. Garlic bread also pairs well with the spaghetti. If you want more protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for about three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to help revive the sauce. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave. This post covered all you need for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for a perfect dish. I shared variations to keep your meals exciting and serving ideas for a great presentation. Remember, the right ingredients and careful cooking lead to a tasty result. Avoid common mistakes and try new flavors. With this knowledge, you can create a delicious meal every time. Enjoy cooking this dish as much as I do!$

Savory Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

A rich and creamy spaghetti dish infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

200 g spaghetti
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
optional Red pepper flakes

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is achieved.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For an extra kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.

Keyword creamy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta, spaghetti