Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients

8 oz of pasta (fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti or cavatappi if you’re wanting a fun noodle;)
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 to 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ to ¾ cup hot reserved pasta water
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: parsley, arugula, extra Parmesan

Instructions

Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ¾ cup hot pasta water before draining.
In a large pan over low-medium heat, melt butter.
Add garlic and cook gently for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Keep it soft but not browned.
Add about ½ cup of the hot pasta water to the pan. Stir to combine.
Add drained pasta directly into the pan and toss to coat.
Reduce heat to low.
Gradually sprinkle in grated Parmesan while tossing/stirring continuously.
Add more pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce turns silky, glossy, and creamy.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Finish with fresh herbs and cheese for extra fanciness 😉
Finish with a sprinkle of buttered bread crumbs for extra richness, flavor, and the perfect crispy texture!

Heat control with pasta water and constant movement will keep the sauce forming perfectly
If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water
If the sauce is too clumpy, lower the heat and add a splash of pasta water
For extra protein add chicken or shrimp
Stir in spinach at the end for a veggie boost
Throw in broccoli or peas if you have them
A squeeze of lemon (or a touch of lemon zest) brightens everything up and gives a little extra pep
A pinch of red pepper flakes = chef’s kiss! 😉

If you love easy and cozy pastas, don’t miss this easy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Butter,the One-Pot French Onion Pasta, made with caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty cheese for a rich, cozy flavor, and the One-Pot Lasagna, layered with creamy ricotta and hearty marinara for a quick, comforting dinner that goes from stove to table in under 30 minutes! And if you’re looking for a fresh, zippy one pot meal this One Pot Creamy Feta, Lemon, Chicken & Rice will do just the trick! And if you’re craving bold, savory comfort in one pot, this One Pot Chicken Stir Fry Pasta brings saucy noodles and tender chicken together super fast with no dishes drama! And if you are a fan of Orzo, try this Easy Chicken Orzo (One-Pan, Creamy & Super Fast!!)

If you love dinners that are easy, cozy, and not a dish explosion, you’ll LOVE these one pot meals: Best One Pot Meals (Easy Dinners for Busy Nights)!