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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Meal

creamy garlic parmesan pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy garlic Parmesan pasta that delivers rich, comforting flavors with simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or your favorite pasta shape
  • 4 tablespoons (about 57 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups (about 150 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons (57 g) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced fresh garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for about 1 minute until smooth and golden.
  4. Slowly pour in 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk and 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Remove the pan from heat and gradually stir in 1 ½ cups (150 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and sauce is silky smooth. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
  6. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed, seasoning sparingly due to Parmesan saltiness.
  7. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each strand evenly. Add more pasta water if sauce thickens too much.
  8. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Keep heat low after sauce is made to avoid curdling. Stir frequently to maintain smoothness.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan pasta, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, homemade pasta sauce, quick dinner, fettuccine recipe