Description
Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick and elegant Italian-American dish made with butter, fresh garlic, reserved pasta water, and finely grated Parmesan cheese for a silky, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
10 ounces dry spaghetti
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
1 cup reserved pasta water (from cooking the spaghetti)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
2 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 heaping cup)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Bring about 10 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
3. Before draining, carefully reserve 1 cup of the hot pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
4. Place the empty pot back over medium-low heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt gently.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it brown.
6. Remove the pot from heat. Add the drained spaghetti back into the pot. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved hot pasta water and toss to combine.
7. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until the cheese melts and creates a silky sauce. Add more reserved pasta water, a little at a time, as needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Reserve pasta water before draining to ensure proper emulsification.
Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Easy Dinner Ideas
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American