Description
This lazy cheesy garlic pasta is the perfect comfort food for busy nights, combining simple pantry staples into a creamy, flavorful dish. Made with a garlic butter sauce and parmesan cheese, it comes together quickly in one pan for an easy, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 250 g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta, then drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter and cook garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over low to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour the cream or milk into the pan with the garlic butter and stir gently. Warm the mixture for 2–3 minutes on low heat, keeping it just below a simmer to maintain a smooth sauce.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss gently to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
- Add cheese and season: Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and stir continuously until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the pan from heat and let the pasta rest for 1–2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Avoid browning garlic to prevent bitterness in sauce.
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter option.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
