Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, incredibly tasty dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together in no time, you’re going to love this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It’s creamy, garlicky, and full of comforting flavors—all in one pot, which means less cleanup (hallelujah!). Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe hits all the right notes without any stress. Let me show you how to make it your new weeknight go-to!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is carefully chosen to blend creamy richness and bold garlic flavor, all while keeping it light and fresh. Plus, I’ll share what to look for at the store so you get the best results.

• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must! Pre-shredded doesn’t melt as nicely and lacks that deep, nutty flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor through the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced gives you that bright punch; garlic powder won’t cut it here!
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce flavorful without heaviness.
• Milk: I prefer milk over half-and-half for a lighter sauce that still has creaminess.
• Angel hair pasta: Because it cooks super fast and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Fresh parsley: A pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to finish the dish.

Make It Your Way

I love this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe just as it is, but honestly, there’s so much room to play around depending on what you have in your pantry or what mood you’re in. Making it your own is part of the fun!

• Variation: I sometimes toss in cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness—makes it a perfect one-pot complete meal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter and Parmesan for plant-based substitutes and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Herb Twist: Adding fresh basil or thyme alongside parsley can turn this into a more aromatic and garden-fresh version.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth. I add it when cooking the garlic for a gentle heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic with Love

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once bubbly, add the minced fresh garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant—but don’t let it brown or burn! Stir occasionally. This step sets the flavor base—aromatics are everything here.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Broth Base

Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil briefly. Slowly stream in the milk while stirring to keep the mixture smooth. This combo gives you a luscious, flavorful sauce that won’t feel too heavy or greasy.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Simmer Gently

Carefully add the angel hair pasta to the boiling liquid. If it’s too long for your skillet, break the strands in half or just wait a bit for them to soften and gently twist them in. Let the pasta cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring every now and then to prevent sticking, until al dente.

Step 4: Finish with Butter and Parmesan Off Heat

Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining tablespoon of butter, tossing to coat the pasta. Now turn off the heat before gradually sprinkling in the Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents grainy cheese clumps.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately—ideally with some garlic bread on the side for dipping. Trust me, it’s the perfect finish!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish because it adds a bright, herbal note and a pop of green that makes the dish feel fresh. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

Garlic bread with melted cheese is basically mandatory in my house. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli also pair beautifully, adding a healthy crunch and balancing the richness of the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this pasta in shallow bowls, drizzled with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for texture. Adding edible flowers or microgreens makes it look restaurant-level fancy without extra effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover garlic parmesan pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta isn’t my favorite because the texture changes a bit, but if you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too but stir frequently to prevent drying out or overheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to on nights when I want comfort food that’s quick and satisfying. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet feels special enough to serve guests without fuss. Once you’ve tried it, I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for it all the time, just like I do. Give it a shot—you’ll be amazed at how a few humble ingredients can come together to make something seriously delicious!

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