Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cheese sauce and tender spaghetti, this dish is comfort food at its finest. It’s easy to make, requires just a few ingredients, and is ready in under 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Ultra creamy and cheesy – A rich, velvety sauce made with Parmesan and garlic.
- Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Great as a main or side dish – Serve it on its own or pair it with protein.
- Customizable – Add vegetables, protein, or extra seasonings to make it your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for extra cheesiness)
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta – Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the sauce – In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the cream and cheese – Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese (and mozzarella, if using) until melted and smooth.
- Season to taste – Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Combine with pasta – Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add protein – Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Make it vegetarian-friendly – Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Spicy version – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Healthier option – Use whole wheat pasta and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Extra cheesy – Add cream cheese or more mozzarella for a gooier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be thinner. You can thicken it with a little cream cheese or cornstarch.
What’s the best Parmesan cheese to use?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
Can I make this without butter?
Yes, substitute olive oil for a lighter option.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?
Use freshly grated cheese and stir continuously over low heat.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well.
How do I add more garlic flavor?
Use roasted garlic or garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.
What can I serve with this spaghetti?
Pair it with garlic bread, a side salad, or grilled chicken.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce separately and reheat before serving.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer, or add extra cheese to thicken it naturally.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is an indulgent, creamy pasta dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Whether served as a main course or a side, this cheesy, garlicky dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today for a quick and comforting meal!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is an indulgent, creamy pasta dish packed with rich garlic flavor and melted Parmesan cheese. It’s quick, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal or comforting side dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed for consistency)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
-
Add Cream & Cheese:
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese (and mozzarella, if using), stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
-
Season & Combine:
- Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach the desired consistency.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Make it Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Healthier Swap: Use whole wheat pasta and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Extra Creamy: Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or more mozzarella.
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