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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is rich, silky, and full of garlicky flavor, with freshly grated Parmesan cheese in every bite. It’s an easy dinner for busy weeknights or a simple date night at home when you want something homemade and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340 g fettuccine or linguine
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
  • ¾ cup 180 ml whole milk
  • 1 cup 100 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Garlic press or sharp knife
  • Box grater or fine grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or pasta fork
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Keep the heat moderate to prevent the garlic from browning or burning.
  3. Make the sauce base. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  4. Add the cream and milk. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking as you go to keep the sauce smooth. Add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese has been added, as high heat can make it grainy.
  6. Combine with the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
    Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
  7. Finish and serve. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and silky.