Description
A 20-minute miracle, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. A few simple pantry staples transform into a luxuriously satisfying and decadent pasta dish with a silky sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti, delivering a punch of savory garlic and salty cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
1 lb (16 oz) Spaghetti
4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
6 cloves Garlic, freshly minced
1 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth, low-sodium preferred
1 ½ cups Heavy Cream
1 ½ cups Grated Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated from a block
½ teaspoon Salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly cracked
¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining
- While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Do not let it bur
- Pour the broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer
- Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss with tongs until the pasta is fully coated
- If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately
Notes
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can result in a gritty sauce. Grating your own ensures a silky, lump-free result.
Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic becomes bitter when burnt. Sauté it briefly over medium heat only until it becomes fragrant (30-60 seconds).
Save Pasta Water: The starchy cooking water is essential for emulsifying the sauce and thinning it to the perfect consistency without diluting the flavor.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce will thicken and be absorbed by the pasta as it sits.
Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, cream, or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 33 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 187 mg