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- 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup baby spinach (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The star of this dish is the garlic. It brings a bold, savory flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and a rich taste. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and luscious. Butter enriches the sauce and adds depth. If you add baby spinach, it brings a nice color and nutrition. You can swap fettuccine for spaghetti or any pasta you like. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a similar taste. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a vegan option. Fresh garlic can be replaced with garlic powder if needed, but the flavor will change. This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is simple, but the flavors shine through. You can find the full recipe easily for more details. Start with a large pot of water. Add salt to the water to enhance flavor. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Aim for an al dente texture, which means it should still have a bit of bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps adjust the sauce later. In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, not burned. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. If you like, toss in 1 cup of baby spinach. Cook until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Now, add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it well. If your sauce seems too thick, use some of that reserved pasta water. Gradually mix it in until you reach the right consistency. Finally, plate your creamy garlic Parmesan pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. This dish is rich and full of flavor and sure to impress! For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. To make your sauce creamier, use heavy cream. It gives a rich texture. Always add cheese slowly. This helps it melt smoothly. Stir the sauce while it simmers. This keeps it from sticking to the pot. If the sauce is too thick, add some pasta water. This will help loosen it up. One mistake is burning the garlic. Always sauté it on medium heat. If you cook it too fast, it turns bitter. Another mistake is not reserving pasta water. This water is full of starch. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Lastly, don’t skip the seasoning. Salt and pepper are key for flavor. You can get creative with herbs. Try fresh basil or thyme for new flavors. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. For a zestier taste, squeeze fresh lemon juice. You can also mix in some fresh spinach. It adds color and nutrients. If you want a nutty taste, sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts. For the full recipe, visit the mentioned link. {{image_2}} You can make this creamy garlic Parmesan pasta even better by adding veggies or protein. Toss in some baby spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes. They add color and nutrition. You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for extra flavor. Mix and match based on what you like or have at home. Just remember to cook any protein before adding it to the dish. While fettuccine or spaghetti works great, feel free to try other pasta types. Penne, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta can be tasty choices. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you need it. The key is to cook the pasta until it is just right. This will help it hold onto that creamy sauce and deliver maximum flavor. Parmesan is the star, but why stop there? You can mix in other cheeses for a unique taste. Try adding mozzarella for a stretchy bite or goat cheese for a tangy twist. Grated Pecorino Romano can add a sharp flavor to the dish. Just remember to adjust the amount based on how cheesy you want it. Each cheese brings its own character, so explore what you enjoy most. You can find the full recipe for creamy garlic Parmesan pasta to get started on this delicious dish. After enjoying your creamy garlic Parmesan pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the pasta cool down first. This method helps keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have extra sauce, store it separately. This will keep the pasta from getting soggy. To reheat your pasta, use a skillet for best results. Add a splash of water or cream to the pan. This helps to revive the creamy texture. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring gently. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the pasta loosely and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. If you want to keep the pasta longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan pasta even later! For the full recipe, check the recipe section. You can pair this pasta with many sides. A fresh salad works great. You can also serve garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp are tasty choices. These options balance the richness of the pasta. Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Just swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer delicious gluten-free options. Look for fettuccine or spaghetti made from rice or quinoa. This way, you still enjoy the creamy flavor without gluten. To boost the flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or thyme adds a nice touch. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish too. For extra richness, stir in more Parmesan cheese. These small changes make each bite more exciting. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section! You learned about the key ingredients and how to cook them well. The creamy sauce can be made just right with the tips given. We also explored fun variations to add more flavor or nutrition. Don't forget about proper storage to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy cooking and get creative with this dish. You can make it unique and delicious!

- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe! In just a few steps, you can create a rich and flavorful dish that combines the bold taste of garlic with creamy Parmesan cheese. Perfect for any night of the week, this easy recipe allows for delicious variations with added veggies or proteins. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup baby spinach (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

    Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

        Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. If using, stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually mix in some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

            Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added pop of color.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4