Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe – Rich & Creamy Dinner

Craving a rich, creamy pasta dish that’s quick to make but tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is everything you love about comfort food: silky sauce, bold garlic flavor, and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all wrapped around long strands of perfectly cooked spaghetti.

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes and requires just a handful of ingredients. It’s a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, meatless Mondays, or when you need a go-to recipe that feels indulgent without being complicated.

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Ingredients Overview

Let’s break down the ingredients that make this spaghetti so creamy, garlicky, and delicious—plus easy substitutions and additions.

Spaghetti

Classic spaghetti is the perfect canvas for a creamy sauce. Its smooth texture allows the sauce to cling beautifully. You can also use fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair if preferred.

Garlic

Garlic is the backbone of this dish. Use fresh cloves—sautéed until golden and fragrant, it gives the sauce a savory, aromatic base.

Tip: Don’t let the garlic brown—it can turn bitter. Lightly golden is perfect.

Butter & Olive Oil

A combination of butter and olive oil creates a flavorful fat base for sautéing garlic and adds richness to the sauce.

Heavy Cream

The secret to that luxurious, velvety sauce. It thickens naturally as it simmers and blends with the cheese for an ultra-creamy finish.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano melts into the sauce and adds nutty, salty depth. Pre-shredded cheese may clump, so grate it fresh if possible.

Pasta Water

Reserved pasta water helps thin and emulsify the sauce while adding starch for better coating.

Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning

These keep the flavors balanced. Add a touch of black pepper and optional Italian herbs for complexity.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sautéed vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes

• Proteins: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or pancetta

• Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes for spicy garlic pasta

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

• Boil a large pot of salted water.

• Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.

• Add 5–6 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until soft and fragrant (not browned).

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

• Lower the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream.

• Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

• Stir in ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

• Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional).

• Add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin if needed.

Step 5: Toss the Spaghetti

• Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet.

• Toss gently with tongs until fully coated in sauce. Add more pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed for silky consistency.

Step 6: Serve

• Plate with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley or chili flakes if desired.

• Serve hot with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and avoids clumping.

• Don’t overcook the cream: Keep it on low heat once added to prevent curdling.

• Reserve pasta water: Always save some before draining—it’s magic for emulsifying sauce.

Flavor Variations

• Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti: Add sautéed mushrooms before cream.

• Creamy Spinach Parmesan Pasta: Stir in baby spinach right after adding spaghetti.

• Spicy Garlic Parmesan: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Protein Additions

• Grilled Chicken: Marinate in lemon and herbs before searing.

• Shrimp: Sear quickly in the same pan before making the sauce.

• Pancetta or Bacon: Crisp in the pan first, then build your sauce around it.

Substitutions

• Half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option

• Milk + flour roux (1 tbsp flour + 1 tbsp butter) for a lower-fat base

• Gluten-free spaghetti for dietary needs

• Vegan: Use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This pasta is rich enough to serve on its own, but also pairs well with light sides.

Serve with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette

• Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed greens

• A fresh arugula or Caesar salad

• A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners in under 30 minutes

• Meatless Mondays

• Date nights or cozy dinner for two

• Pasta bar nights – let guests add their own toppings

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Nutritional & Health Notes

Nutritional Profile (approx. per serving, without add-ins):

• Calories: ~450–500

• Protein: 12–15g

• Carbs: 40–50g

• Fat: 25–30g

• Fiber: 2–4g

Make it healthier:

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk with a roux

• Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or kale for more fiber

• Use whole wheat or legume-based spaghetti

• Limit cheese to ½ cup for lower fat

This dish is naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable for lighter diets.

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FAQs

1. Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes. Use whole milk with a roux (butter + flour) to help thicken. It won’t be as rich, but still creamy and flavorful.

2. Can I make this ahead?

This pasta is best served fresh. However, you can make the sauce ahead and reheat gently. Add more milk or pasta water to loosen.

3. What’s the best pasta shape for this sauce?

Spaghetti is classic, but fettuccine, linguine, or bucatini also work well. Short pastas like penne or rigatoni are fine too but hold less of the silky sauce.

4. Can I freeze creamy garlic pasta?

Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. It’s better to make fresh or store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or broth, stirring until creamy again.

6. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent add-ins.

7. Is it spicy?

Not inherently. Add red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick.

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