Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite quick meal—*Garlic Parmesan Pasta*! It’s one of those dishes that you can whip up in no time, yet it feels so indulgent and satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you get this amazing combination of flavors that dance on your palate. I love making this dish after a long day when I just want something comforting but don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, the aroma of sautéed garlic and melted parmesan will have your family rushing to the table! It’s truly the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you just need a delicious pick-me-up.
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this *Garlic Parmesan Pasta* shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g pasta (any shape you love, I usually go for spaghetti!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 50g parmesan cheese, grated (freshly grated is always best!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for that perfect sauté)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish (fresh is fabulous!)
These simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering dish that you’ll want to make again and again!
How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this heavenly *Garlic Parmesan Pasta*! It’s super easy, I promise. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal on your table in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt to really flavor the pasta. Once it’s bubbling, toss in 200g of pasta—any shape you love works here! Just follow the package instructions for cooking time, which is typically around 8-10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally, so it doesn’t stick together. Once it’s cooked to perfection, drain the pasta in a colander, but save a splash of that pasta water for later!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large pan and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it warm enough to sauté but not so hot that the oil smokes! Once the oil shimmers, add in your 4 cloves of minced garlic. Oh wow, the smell is divine! Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant—just be careful not to burn it, or it’ll taste bitter!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Carefully add the drained pasta to the pan with the sautéed garlic. Give it a good toss to coat the pasta with that lovely garlic oil. Next, sprinkle in 50g of grated parmesan cheese, along with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. If you saved that splash of pasta water, add a little now to help create a silky sauce. Toss everything together until the cheese melts and everything is beautifully coated.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Finally, it’s time to dig in! Serve your *Garlic Parmesan Pasta* hot, and don’t forget to garnish with some fresh parsley for that pop of color. It looks so pretty on the plate! You can also sprinkle a bit more parmesan on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Enjoy your meal, and watch how quickly it disappears!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick prep and cook time—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Rich, comforting flavors that satisfy your cravings.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins or proteins.
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your *Garlic Parmesan Pasta*, don’t be shy about adjusting the garlic to your taste; if you love that punchy flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two! Fresh ingredients make all the difference, so opt for freshly grated parmesan and real garlic over pre-minced options—trust me, the flavor is unbeatable. Also, keep an eye on the pasta; you want it al dente for that perfect texture. If you want to get fancy, toss in some sautéed veggies or roasted chicken for added depth and heartiness. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a serving of *Garlic Parmesan Pasta*. Keep in mind these are approximations, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
This dish is a delightful balance of flavors and nutrition, making it a perfect meal option!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about *Garlic Parmesan Pasta*? No worries, I’ve got you covered!
How do I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), let the pasta cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just remember to reheat gently to avoid drying it out!
Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! I love tossing in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition. Just cook them alongside the garlic, and you’re good to go!
What can I use instead of parmesan? If you’re out of parmesan or looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast works wonders! It gives that cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can also try pecorino cheese for a slightly sharper taste.
What pairs well with this dish? This pasta is delicious on its own, but it’s also fantastic alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or a fresh salad. A nice crusty bread for dipping is a must too!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving *Garlic Parmesan Pasta*, the options are endless! I love pairing it with juicy grilled chicken for a hearty meal that feels like a treat. If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp, fresh salad drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette complements the rich flavors beautifully. You could also serve it alongside some roasted vegetables for that extra crunch and nutrition. And don’t forget a side of warm, crusty bread—perfect for soaking up every last drop of that garlicky goodness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of your *Garlic Parmesan Pasta* (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), allow it to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge where it can stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help bring back that creamy texture. Microwaving is a quick option too, just be sure to cover it to keep it moist. Enjoy every bite just like the first time!
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Garlic Parmesan Pasta: 5 Steps to Divine Comfort Food
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful pasta dish with garlic and parmesan.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 50g parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a pot and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with garlic.
- Mix in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Adjust garlic quantity to taste.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Pasta, Italian, Vegetarian