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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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This creamy garlic parmesan pasta is a quick and comforting 30-minute dinner that rivals any restaurant version. With a velvety sauce made from fresh garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan, it’s the perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmesan Reggiano recommended)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per gallon).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes for fettuccine). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. While the pasta cooks, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese in small handfuls, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted before adding more.
  6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs to toss until every strand is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss again.
  8. Let the pasta rest off the heat for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Don’t rush the garlic—cook it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Always grate your own Parmesan for a smooth sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Start the sauce when the pasta has about 5 minutes left to cook for perfect timing.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan pasta, 30-minute dinner, easy pasta recipe, garlic parmesan pasta, quick weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-pasta-easy-30-minute-dinner/