There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, cheese, and pasta; it’s like a warm hug on a plate. I remember the first time I had a dish like this—it was at a friend’s family gathering, and I couldn’t believe how such simple ingredients could create something so divine. That mesmerizing aroma filling the kitchen as the garlic sautéed, tranquility washing over me as the cheese melted into a luscious sauce—it was love at first bite! This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti has since become a favorite in my home; it’s easy, comforting, and seems to charm everyone who tries it!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let me tell you why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table tonight. Picture this: golden-brown garlic sautéing in fragrant olive oil and butter, gradually transformed into a creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s rich and savory, yet surprisingly light—almost like an indulgence without the guilt! Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish never disappoints.
The best part? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes! It’s pretty easy to scale up for a crowd, or down for a quiet night. This recipe brings people together—nothing beats sharing a big bowl of pasta, cracking jokes and reminiscing about good times over a meal that feels like home.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s chat about the stars of this dish.
- Spaghetti: 8 oz is perfect for two hearty servings, but feel free to double or halve it based on your needs. I like to go for whole wheat pasta sometimes for a healthier twist.
- Fresh Garlic: You’ll want 4 cloves—fresh is a game-changer here! Try not to skimp because the garlic is what turns this dish from good to mind-blowingly fantastic.
- Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup, grated, will do the trick. But let’s be real; who can resist sprinkling a little extra on top before diving in?
- Mozzarella Cheese: One cup of shredded mozzarella ensures that glorious gooeyness that makes you say, “Wow!”
- Unsalted Butter and Olive Oil: Together, they create a silky base. (You can substitute coconut oil or vegan margarine if you want a dairy-free option!)
- Salt and Pepper: Just enough to enhance the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: A handful of chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness—essential for garnish!
Preparing Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
Getting this dish to come together is easier than pie. Let’s break it down step-by-step!
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Cook the spaghetti: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the spaghetti and let it cook according to package instructions—typically around 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, so keep an eye on it! Right before you drain the pasta, reserve about ½ cup of that glorious pasta water.
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Prepare the garlic sauce: While the spaghetti is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and turns a lovely golden brown, but be careful not to let it burn. Burnt garlic is a sad mistake, and I’ve made that before—trust me, it’s not a flavor you want!
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Add cheese and pasta water: Now, lower the heat and start adding in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Stir it gently until it all melts together into a creamy, luscious sauce. Gradually mix in the reserved pasta water, adjusting the consistency to your liking—some prefer it saucy, while others like it thicker.
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Combine pasta and sauce: Let’s get that spaghetti in the mix! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently so every strand is coated in that cheesy, garlicky goodness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Plate your masterpiece and finish it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a generous dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. Voilà!
Best way to enjoy it
Serving this dish is all about highlighting its creamy, cheesy deliciousness. Pair it with a simple fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, or garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce (trust me, you’ll want to!). Feel free to kick it up a notch with a side of roasted veggies—perhaps brussels sprouts or asparagus for that delightful crunch—creating a balanced plate that’s still incredibly indulgent.
Storage and reheating tips
Now let’s talk storage because leftovers are definitely a thing here! Allow any extra spaghetti to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in a saucepan over low heat. If it’s looking too dry, add a splash of water or extra olive oil to revive that creamy sauce.
Want to make it ahead of time? You can freeze it too! Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and it’ll be good for about a month. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro chef tips
Want to bump this up a notch? Here are a few insider tips that might do the trick:
- When cooking the pasta, don’t be shy with the salt—think ocean water. It really enhances the flavor of the spaghetti.
- Toast the minced garlic for a deeper flavor but keep stirring to avoid burning it. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!
- For a touch of elegance, finish your dish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Creative Twists
Don’t be afraid to switch it up! Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Delight: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the garlic sauce for a hearty twist.
- Protein Boost: Transform it into a complete meal by integrating grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Herbaceous Addition: Swap parsley for fresh basil or even mint for a different flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions to follow
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Reduce heat and add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until melted and creamy. Gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach desired consistency.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Common questions
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Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can behave differently. -
What if I don’t have Parmesan?
You could try Pecorino Romano or a vegan alternative for a completely different, but still delightful, flavor. -
Can I skip the butter?
Sure! You can use all olive oil or a vegan butter substitute to make it dairy-free. -
How can I modify for a low-carb diet?
Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can be an excellent swap to keep the essence of the dish while cutting carbs. -
Is it okay to prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the spaghetti and prepare the sauce ahead of time, just combine and heat before serving.
Cooking opens a world of possibilities, and this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is just one dish in the culinary adventure. I hope you give it a whirl and even put your twist on it, whether that’s adding your favorite ingredients or changing it up to fit dietary needs. Remember, this recipe is a canvas—get creative and make it yours! Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is an easy and satisfying dish, perfect for any dinner table. Prepare it in under 30 minutes. A rich and delicious pasta treat that appeals to crowds of all ages.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Directions
Cooking Instructions
-
Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water. -
Prepare the garlic sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.Be careful not to burn the garlic. -
Add cheese and pasta water
Reduce heat, add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stir until melted and creamy. Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency. -
Combine pasta and sauce
Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Serve
Plate the spaghetti and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 20g40%
- Vitamin A 15 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 25 mg
- Iron 10 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Great for customization! Add vegetables or proteins to enhance the dish.
