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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

A quick and easy pasta dish with a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 8 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Melt butter: While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to melted butter and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Do not burn.
  4. Add cream: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for a few minutes, until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in cheese: Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and sauce is smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to adjust consistency.
  6. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce.
  7. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in parsley (if using). Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Romano cheese. You can also add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to make this a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.