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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more for the pasta water
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Method
 

  1. Boil salted water, cook the pasta until al dente (about 9 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low and whisk in Parmesan a handful at a time until melted, about 2 minutes. Add about 1/4 cup pasta water and whisk until glossy; add more if needed.
  4. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Let it sit 1 minute, then top with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If you like an extra saucy dish, reserve more pasta water and add it a tablespoon at a time at the end. The sauce thickens quickly as it cools, so this pasta is best eaten right after tossing.