Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Noodles
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine noodles
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: extra Parmesan for topping
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Boil the noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy mixture. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta, sprinkle with fresh chives, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
#CreamyPasta #ParmesanNoodles #EasyDinner #GarlicLovers #ComfortFood #QuickMeals #PastaNight #YummyEats
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Noodles every time.
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute less than the package’s al dente time. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Aromatics: While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 45-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Build the Sauce: Increase heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
- Season & Combine: Season sauce with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss continuously for 1-2 minutes, adding splashes of reserved pasta water if needed to reach a silky, clinging consistency.
- Final Touch: Remove from heat. Let pasta rest for one minute to allow sauce to thicken slightly before garnishing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your pasta dish with these simple pairings. Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms. A side of roasted asparagus or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For a restaurant-style touch, finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
How-to Summary
Cook pasta al dente, reserving some water. Sauté garlic in butter. Simmer cream, then whisk in Parmesan off the heat to create a smooth sauce. Toss pasta in sauce, using pasta water to adjust consistency. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? For a lighter sauce, you can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. To thicken it, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold milk, then whisk into the simmering sauce.
Why did my cheese clump or make the sauce grainy? This happens if the heat is too high when adding cheese. Always remove the skillet from heat or reduce to very low before whisking in Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese containing anti-caking agents can also cause graininess; freshly grated cheese melts best.
How can I make this dish ahead of time? This pasta is best served fresh. If preparing ahead, make the sauce separately and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh garlic? While fresh is ideal, you can substitute with 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder added with the cream. Do not use jarred minced garlic, as it can impart a bitter flavor.
How do I properly store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture, as microwaving can cause separation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta ruins the texture. Always cook to al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Burning the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Sauté over medium-low heat just until fragrant.
- Adding Cheese to High Heat: High heat causes cheese to seize and become oily or grainy. Incorporate it off the direct heat.
- Skipping Pasta Water: The starchy reserved water is key for helping the sauce adhere to the noodles and adjusting thickness.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting smoothly. Always grate your own from a block.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Noodles recipe is a testament to how a few simple, quality ingredients can create an extraordinary comfort food. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort in about 20 minutes. Its rich, velvety sauce and robust garlic flavor make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Remember to garnish generously and serve immediately for the ultimate pasta experience.