This garlic parmesan pasta is proof that sometimes the simplest things truly are the best! Learn how to make pasta parmesan for a quick pasta dinner your family will adore.
This is the perfect combination of flavors. It’s delightfully salty with a vibrant punch of savory garlic.
The fragrance and flavor of this buttery, garlic infused pasta parmesan will make it an instant classic in your home.
We of course talk a lot about food around here. But if you’ve been here for long, you must know that our love for pasta runs deepest of all!
Growing up in St. Louis, there was no shortage of fabulous and authentic Italian restaurants. That’s where I really grew to love the simplest, most perfectly prepared pasta dishes.
Much like the classic Pasta Aglio E Olio and my easy Easy Cacio E Pepe, this garlic parmesan pasta is made with few ingredients, so each one shines.
It’s a perfect infusion of butter, garlic, parmesan and salt and pepper. It really could not be simpler – and it’s the best kind of recipe to keep in your pocket for feeding your hungry house on a whim!
I know you’re going to adore this easy recipe! Use the drop down Table of Contents menu to navigate this post, and don’t forget to pin and save for later.
Why You’ll Love this Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- So easy
- Minimal ingredients
- Family friendly
- Great as a pasta side dish or a main dish
- On the table in under 15 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pasta – For these photos, we used the easiest homemade pappardelle pasta. However, you can use any type of pasta you’d like! Ribbon style noodles work well for this sauce.
- Butter – Salted butter is fine here – if you use unsalted, just watch your additional salt and make sure you add it to taste!
- Minced Garlic – You can also use garlic powder, but I prefer fresh minced garlic. We love a lot of garlic around our house, and you can find my complete guide to Garlic Conversions here! Learn how to peel garlic here and how to mince garlic here.
- Salt – I always love big cracks of sea salt but you can use any kind of salt!
- Pepper – Fresh cracked pepper is ideal.
- Parmesan – Fresh grated parmesan is the best bet! You can use pre-grated but it just doesn’t melt as well.
Variations
- Instead of parmesan, try romano or asiago
- Add heavy whipping cream to create a creamy garlic parmesan pasta – up to one cup at the end of cooking is perfect
- Italian Seasoning adds a delicious touch of herbal flavor
- Add fresh parsley or basil – for a vibrant addition of both color and Italian flavor
- Use Garlic Confit instead of fresh garlic.
- Or add Roasted Garlic.
How to Make this Garlic Pasta
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water, according to package directions.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter on medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for one minute, stirring occasionally. Stir in salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta and add it into the garlic parmesan sauce. Gently toss and remove from heat.
- Gradually add parmesan and stir. Enjoy!
Tips
- Remove the pasta from the heat when it is al dente, so it doesn’t get soggy.
- Fresh grated parmesan important in this one – if you can, grate it fresh!
- Fresh minced garlic cooks quickly, watch so it doesn’t burn.
- Ensure your heat is turned off before you add the parmesan. With too much heat, the cheese can separate and become grainy.
- Always hold back a cup of warm, starchy pasta water. This can help thin your sauces!
Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, these two sauces are different! While the flavor profile and ingredients are similar, alfredo is a much heavier, creamier sauce with the addition of heavy cream.
That why I love having a few super easy sauce recipes in my back pocket! This garlic parmesan sauce is made with three ingredients I always have in my refrigerator: garlic, butter and parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Shortcuts
- Use pre-shredded Parmesan.
- Use pre-minced garlic.
Dietary Considerations
- Nut Free
- Use Gluten Free pasta to make this dish gluten friendly
- Vegetarian
How to Store
- Room Temperature – Garlic parmesan pasta is best served as soon as you have made it. You can make homemade pasta ahead of time and keep it in the fridge or even cook it right from frozen.
- Refrigerator – If you do have leftovers, cover and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, cook in a small sauce pan over low heat. Add a little broth or cream for to help create more sauce.
- Freezer – you can also freeze this pasta for up to three months.
The Best Garlic Recipes
Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta cooked according to package directions
- ½ cup butter salted, one stick
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or garlic paste, garlic powder)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper fresh cracked
- ½ cup parmesan fresh grated
Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling water, according to package directions.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter on medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for one minute, stir in salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta into the garlic parmesan sauce. Gently toss and remove from heat.
- Gradually add parmesan and stir. Enjoy!
Julie’s Tips
- Remove the pasta from the heat when it is al dente, so it doesn’t get soggy.
- Fresh grated parmesan is everything in this recipe.
- Fresh minced garlic cooks very quickly, watch so it doesn’t burn.
- Always hold back a cup of warm, starchy pasta water. This can help thin your sauces!
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
