This garlic parmesan pasta is proof that sometimes the simplest things are really the best! Learn to make parmesan pasta for a quick pasta dinner, your family will love.
This is the perfect combination of flavors. It’s nicely salty with a live punch of salted garlic.
The aroma and taste of this buttery, garlic-infused pasta parmesan will make it an instant classic in your home.
Of course we talk a lot about food around here. But if you’ve been here a long time, know that our love of pasta sticks deepest of all!
Raised in St. Louis, there was no shortage of amazing and authentic Italian restaurants. It was there that I really grew to love the simplest, most perfectly cooked pasta dishes.
Much like the classic Pasta Aglio E Olio and my easy Nem Cacio E Pepethis garlic parmesan paste is made with few ingredients so that each one shines.
It is a perfect infusion of butter, garlic, parmesan and salt and pepper. It really couldn’t be simpler – and it’s the best kind of recipe to have in your pocket to feed your hungry house on a whim!
I know you are going to love this easy recipe! Use the Table of Contents drop-down menu to navigate this post, and don’t forget to pin and save for later.
Why you will love this garlic parmesan paste
- So easy
- Minimal ingredients
- Family friendly
- Fantastic as one pasta accessories or a main course
- On the table in less than 15 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Ingredients and Substitutes
- Pasta – For these pictures we used the easiest homemade pappardelle pasta. However, you can use any type of pasta you like! Ribbon-style noodles work well for this sauce.
- Butter – Salted butter is fine here – if you use unsalted, just take care of your extra salt and be sure to add it to taste!
- Chopped garlic – You can also use garlic powder, but I prefer freshly chopped garlic. We love a lot of garlic around our house and you can find my complete guide to Garlic conversions here! And find out How to peel and chop garlic here.
- Salt – I always love big cracks of sea salt, but you can use any kind of salt!
- Pepper – Freshly cracked pepper is ideal.
- Parmesan – Fresh grated parmesan is the best bet! You can use the agitator, but it just does not melt as well.
Variations
- Try parmesan instead romano or asiago
- Add strong whipping cream to create a creamy garlic parmesan paste – up to a cup at the end of cooking is perfect
- Italian spice adds a delicious touch of herbal flavor
- Add fresh parsley or basil – for a vibrant addition of both color and Italian flavor
How to make this garlic paste
- Boil pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water, following the instructions on the package.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for a minute, stirring occasionally. Stir in salt and pepper.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the garlic parmesan sauce. Turn gently and remove from heat.
- Gradually add parmesan and stir. Enjoy!
Tips
- Remove the pasta from the heat when it is al dente so that it does not become soft.
- Fresh grated parmesan important in this – if you can, grate it fresh!
- Freshly chopped garlic fry quickly, being careful not to burn it.
- Make sure the heat is off before adding parmesan. At too much heat, the cheese can separate and become grainy.
- Always keep a cup of warm, starchy pasta water. This can help thin your sauces!
Scale up, down or replace? You will love this printable Measurement conversion chart!!
Frequently asked questions
But these two sauces are different! While the taste profile and ingredients are similar, alfredo is a much heavier, creamy sauce with the addition of heavy cream.
That’s why I love having a few super easy sauce recipes in my back pocket! This garlic parmesan sauce is made with three ingredients I always have in my fridge: garlic, butter and parmesan.
Shortcuts
- Use grated parmesan.
- Use chopped garlic.
Dietary considerations
- Free of nuts
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this quite gluten-friendly
- Vegetarian
How to store
- Room temperature – Garlic parmesan pasta is best served as soon as you have made it. You can make homemade pasta in advance and store it in the fridge or even cook it straight from the frozen.
- Refrigerator – If you have leftovers, cover and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, cook in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a little broth or cream to create more sauce.
- Freezer – you can also freeze this pasta for up to three months.
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Easier Pasta Dinners
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Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This parmesan garlic paste is proof that sometimes the simplest things are really the best! Learn how to make pasta parmesan for a quick pasta dinner that your family will love.
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Instructions
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Boil the pasta in boiling water, according to the package instructions.
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In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté for a minute, stir in salt and pepper.
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Add cooked pasta to the garlic parmesan sauce. Turn gently and remove from heat.
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Gradually add parmesan and stir. Enjoy!
Tips
- Remove the pasta from the heat when it is al dente so that it does not become soft.
- Freshly grated parmesan is everything in this recipe.
- Freshly chopped garlic boils very quickly, being careful not to burn it.
- Always keep a cup of warm, starchy pasta water. This can help thin your sauces!
Nutrition information
Calories: 380kcal (19%),, Carbohydrates: 43g (14%),, Protein: 11g (22%),, Fat: 18g (28%),, Saturated Fat: 11g (55%),, Polyunsaturated fat: 1g,, Monounsaturated fat: 5g,, Trans fat: 1g,, Cholesterol: 46mg (15%),, Sodium: 356mg (15%),, Potassium: 144mg (4%),, Fiber: 2g (8%),, Sugar: 2g (2%),, Vitamin A: 538IU (11%),, Vitamin C: 0.3mg,, Calcium: 117mg (12%),, Iron: 1mg (6%)
Estimated nutrition information is given as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
