Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe: A Bowl of Comfort

Creamy, indulgent garlic parmesan pasta sweeps you into a world of comfort and flavor.

This classic dish brings together simple ingredients that dance on your palate with incredible harmony.

parmesan cheese melts perfectly into tender pasta, creating a rich and satisfying meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

Each twirl of noodles carries aromatic garlic and savory cheese in a delightful embrace.

The recipe works magic with just a handful of staple ingredients, transforming an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good, with this quick and delectable pasta promising to become a fast favorite.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible culinary creation.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta Flavor Highlights

• This pasta recipe is incredibly simple, perfect for both newbie and seasoned home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• With just a few pantry staples like butter, garlic, pasta, and Parmesan, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish that feels luxurious yet effortless.
• Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with garlic flavor, this pasta delivers pure comfort in every single bite, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
• Easily adaptable with optional seasonings and potential protein additions, this recipe offers flexibility to match different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta Ingredients

• Angel Hair Pasta: A delicate, thin pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.

• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, flavorful cheese that adds rich, nutty notes to the dish.
• Butter, Milk: Create a creamy, smooth sauce that helps bind the pasta ingredients together.

• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic base that infuses the entire dish with depth.
• Chicken Broth: Adds a savory liquid foundation that boosts the overall taste profile.
• Onion Powder, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley, Black Pepper: Optional seasonings that contribute layers of complementary herbs and spices.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Brings a bright, fresh finish to the completed pasta dish.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Grate the Cheese

Grab your block of Parmesan and transform it into delicate, fluffy shreds using a cheese grater.

Let the cheese sit out for a few minutes to reach room temperature, which helps it melt like a dream later.

Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic

Heat a large skillet and drop in some butter.

Watch it melt and become golden, then toss in finely chopped garlic.

Swirl and stir until the kitchen fills with an incredible aroma, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring to blend all the delicious flavors together.

Step 4: Dance with the Pasta

Drop angel hair pasta into the bubbling liquid.

If needed, break the noodles in half.

Use kitchen tongs to help the pasta nestle into the sauce, twirling and turning it softly.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Cook the pasta for 4-5 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

Lower the heat and let the noodles become tender and dreamy.

Step 6: Butter the Noodles

Add a final pat of butter and toss the pasta gently.

Each strand should glisten with buttery goodness.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan slowly, stirring continuously.

Watch the cheese melt and transform into a silky, luxurious sauce that hugs every noodle.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately alongside some crusty garlic bread for an epic meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta Tips

• Select plump, firm garlic cloves for the most intense and vibrant flavor, avoiding any that look shriveled or have green sprouts.
• Break angel hair pasta in half if your skillet is small, ensuring even cooking and preventing clumping during the simmering process.
• Stir continuously and maintain a gentle heat when adding milk to avoid unwanted separation, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Allow Parmesan to sit at room temperature before grating, which helps it melt more smoothly and integrate seamlessly into the pasta.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture of the dish, keeping the pasta at its most delicious moment.

Store Garlic Parmesan Pasta Smart

• Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption from other foods.
• Pack pasta in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when steaming hot.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or milk to prevent drying. Stir gently and continuously until heated through, about 3-4 minutes. This method helps maintain original creamy texture.

What Goes with Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the buttery, cheesy pasta and refresh your palate.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread to enhance the garlic flavor and provide a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy pasta.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Add a light, zesty green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Enhance with Grilled Chicken: Top the pasta with simply grilled chicken breast to add lean protein and create a more substantial meal that feels complete and satisfying.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta Variations

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap angel hair pasta with gluten-free rice noodles or chickpea pasta for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the same creamy garlic Parmesan flavor profile.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use plant-based butter or olive oil to create a dairy-free version that still delivers rich, savory notes.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Variation: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetable-based dish that keeps the garlic and cheese essence intact.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes to transform the recipe into a more substantial main course with extra protein and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute angel hair pasta with other thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine. Just adjust cooking time slightly based on the pasta’s thickness.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Not completely, as the recipe uses chicken broth. To make it vegetarian, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or water with added salt.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu to the pasta after cooking. These protein options will complement the garlic and Parmesan flavors nicely.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free butter alternatives and plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Garlic parmesan pasta weaves Italian comfort into a quick weeknight dinner dream. Creamy, cheesy strands deliver bold flavors that dance on palates, inviting you to savor each delectable twirl of comfort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) angel hair pasta
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Fats and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon parsley (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (to garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Grate Parmesan cheese and allow it to reach room temperature for smooth melting later.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to sizzle, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and stir, releasing its aromatic essence into the butter for about 60 seconds.
4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet and incorporate optional seasonings like onion powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, and pepper.
5. Gradually introduce milk while stirring continuously to prevent curdling, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Add angel hair pasta to the skillet, breaking it in half if needed, and allow it to soften in the liquid.
7. Simmer pasta for 4-5 minutes, gently turning with kitchen tongs to prevent sticking, and reduce heat to maintain even cooking.
8. Incorporate remaining butter, tossing pasta until each strand is evenly coated.
9. Gradually sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta, stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
10. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately, preferably accompanied by garlic bread with cheese.

Notes

• Keep Parmesan at room temperature for smoother melting, enhancing the overall creamy texture of the dish.
• Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more vibrant and intense flavor profile that elevates the entire recipe.
• Break pasta in half for easier cooking if your skillet is smaller, ensuring even heat distribution and perfect tenderness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg