Simple pasta in a rich garlic and Parmesan cream sauce
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Simple pasta in a rich garlic and Parmesan cream sauce
★4.5(15)
A quick, indulgent pasta smothered in a velvety sauce of butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
5m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
20m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
When you need dinner on the table in 20 minutes and want something that tastes like a million dollars, this creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is the answer. It is embarrassingly simple — butter, garlic, cream, Parmesan — but the result is a sauce so luscious and deeply savory that it punches well above its weight class.
The trick is using real Parmesan (never the green can), freshly grating it on the finest holes of a box grater, and adding it off the heat so it melts into the sauce smoothly. A generous amount of garlic, gently toasted in butter until fragrant, provides the backbone.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti or penne
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups finely grated Parmesan
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1.5 cups pasta water before draining.
- 2
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant and just barely golden, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- 4
Add drained pasta and 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss to combine over medium heat.
- 5
Remove from heat. Add Parmesan in three additions, tossing vigorously after each. Add more pasta water as needed for a glossy, creamy sauce.
- 6
Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
Heavy creamHalf-and-half or evaporated milk
Lighter alternatives that still create a creamy sauce.
ParmesanPecorino Romano or Grana Padano
Pecorino is sharper; Grana Padano is milder.
ButterOlive oil
Different flavor but works if you are avoiding butter.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not rush the garlic — low and slow cooking prevents bitterness.
Always grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
This is a perfect base recipe — add grilled chicken, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sauce thickens as it cools.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 plate) · 4 servings
Calories560
LowModerateHigh
A hearty, energy-rich serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein20g
Carbohydrates52g
Fat30g
Fiber2g
Sugar2g
Sodium620mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
- Pre-grated contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always grate from a block.
- How do I make this lighter?
- Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce the butter by half.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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