Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Homemade Dinner
A quick and indulgent creamy garlic Parmesan pasta recipe made with just five main ingredients, perfect for a cozy Italian-style dinner that comes together in 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 grams) fettuccine or linguine pasta (spaghetti or penne work too)
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, full-fat
- 1 cup (about 100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
- 3 tablespoons (about 43 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of your preferred pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, finely mince 4 large cloves of garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons (43 grams) of unsalted butter. Once melted and slightly bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but do not let it brown or burn.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Gradually add 1 cup (about 100 grams) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
- Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, keeping in mind Parmesan is naturally salty.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand evenly. Warm over low heat for 1-2 minutes if needed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor. Keep heat low when melting cheese into cream to avoid sauce separation. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 19
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
Keywords: creamy garlic Parmesan pasta, easy pasta recipe, 5-ingredient pasta, quick dinner, homemade pasta sauce, comfort food, Italian pasta