Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti recipe, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. With tender al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce loaded with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, this dish is topped with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Quick and easy to make, it’s a delicious way to enjoy classic Italian-inspired flavors at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 8 oz spaghetti
Garlic Cheese Sauce
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water to use later for the sauce.
- Prepare the garlic sauce: In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown, taking care not to burn it to maintain a smooth flavor.
- Add cheese and pasta water: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing them to melt and blend into a creamy sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously to achieve a silky, smooth sauce consistency that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the cheesy garlic sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is evenly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preferred taste.
- Serve: Transfer the coated spaghetti to serving plates. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an aromatic and flavorful finish. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it helps to thin the sauce and improves texture without diluting flavor.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter and affect the overall taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting consistency.
- You can adjust the amount of pasta water to get the sauce consistency you prefer, whether thicker or more saucy.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh note that balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti, garlic spaghetti recipe, creamy spaghetti, Parmesan pasta, easy Italian pasta recipe
