There’s something incredibly satisfying about twirling tender strands of spaghetti coated in a luxuriously creamy sauce that just begs you to dive in. This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is a celebration of comfort food, marrying the sharp, nutty kick of Parmesan with the mellow richness of heavy cream. Each forkful is a symphony of flavors—a gentle punch of garlic, the smooth caress of melted cheese, and a subtle warmth from a hint of red pepper flakes. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or hosting friends for a laid-back dinner, this dish feels like an affectionate hug on a plate.
I still remember the first time I whipped up this recipe. I was juggling work emails, a hungry family, and a looming deadline when I realized dinner needed to happen—and fast. In just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes at the stove, I had a dinner that looked and tasted like I’d spent hours fussing over it. With its beginner-friendly steps, simple pantry ingredients, and a total rest time of just 2 minutes, this recipe is as approachable as they come. Clocking in around 600 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Course type? Dinner. Difficulty level? Beginner. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight in or an impromptu date-night treat, this Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti delivers a velvety sauce that hugs every strand of pasta, and in my book, that’s a dinner win.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY CHEESY GARLIC PARMESAN SPAGHETTI
To bring this dreamy dish to life, we rely on a handful of trusty ingredients that each play a starring role. From the backbone of perfectly cooked spaghetti to the luscious Parmesan-infused sauce, here’s what you need and why.
- Spaghetti
Long, thin pasta strands that cook to a perfect al dente bite. They provide the ideal canvas for clinging onto an ultra-creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil
A smooth, fruity cooking medium that helps sauté the garlic without burning and lends a subtle richness to the overall flavor.
- Garlic
Freshly minced cloves infuse the oil with a bright, aromatic punch. Garlic is the backbone of this pasta’s savory profile.
- Heavy Cream
Delivers that signature velvety texture and rich mouthfeel. It’s the secret to transforming simple broth into a luxurious sauce.
- Chicken Broth
Adds depth and savory complexity, cutting through the creaminess so the sauce never feels too heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese
Grated to perfection, it melts into the cream and broth blend, imparting a salty, umami-packed punch.
- Salt
Enhances the natural flavors of every ingredient, ensuring each bite tastes bright and balanced.
- Black Pepper
Freshly ground for a warm, spicy undertone that plays off the garlic and cheese.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Sprinkle in a touch of heat for those who love a little zing in their comforting pasta.
- Fresh Parsley
Chopped and stirred in at the end, it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal lift to cut through the richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese
Grated mozzarella creates gooey, stringy pockets of cheese that take this dish from creamy to downright indulgent.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY CHEESY GARLIC PARMESAN SPAGHETTI
This recipe comes together quickly and requires just one skillet beyond the pasta pot, making cleanup a breeze. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly coated, savory strands of spaghetti that glisten with garlic-Parmesan goodness.
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside so it’s ready to soak up the sauce.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until you notice that wonderful garlicky fragrance—be careful not to let it brown too much.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Increase the heat slightly until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer, bubbles forming around the edges.
4. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy.
5. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Taste and adjust the seasoning until it sings.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet, using tongs to toss the pasta until every strand is enveloped in that dreamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
7. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and grated Mozzarella cheese over the top. Stir gently until the mozzarella melts and creates those irresistible, gooey cheese pockets.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for 2 minutes. This brief pause allows the sauce to thicken just enough.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if you like. Dive in while it’s hot and savor every creamy, cheesy bite!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY CHEESY GARLIC PARMESAN SPAGHETTI
When it comes to serving this pasta masterpiece, you can keep it simple or elevate it with complementary sides. These suggestions will help you craft a well-rounded meal that delights every palate and makes your dinner table shine.
- Garlic Bread on the Side
Serve warm, buttery garlic bread for an extra hit of garlic flavor and a crunchy contrast to the silky spaghetti. Brush slices of crusty baguette with garlic-infused butter, sprinkle with parsley, and toast until golden.
- Fresh Green Salad
A crisp mixed greens salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta. Toss arugula, spinach, or romaine with cherry tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, and a zesty lemon- Dijon dressing.
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
Add protein for a heartier meal. Season chicken breasts or shrimp with Italian herbs, grill until cooked through, and serve sliced or whole on top of the spaghetti for a restaurant-style touch.
- Roasted Vegetables
Offer a side of oven-roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers. The caramelized edges and natural sweetness pair beautifully with the savory, creamy sauce.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY CHEESY GARLIC PARMESAN SPAGHETTI
Storing this dish properly ensures you can enjoy leftovers that taste almost as good as freshly made. Whether you’re meal-prepping for busy weeknights or simply saving extra for lunch the next day, follow these tips to maintain flavor and texture.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Allow the pasta to cool slightly, then transfer it to a sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may need to loosen it when reheating.
- Reheat with a Splash of Liquid
When warming, add a little chicken broth or cream to bring back the original sauce consistency. Gently reheat over low heat on the stovetop, stirring to reincorporate the sauce.
- Separate Sauce and Pasta (Optional)
For longer storage, keep the sauce and pasta in two containers. This prevents the spaghetti from absorbing too much moisture and turning mushy. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.
- Freeze for Longer-Term Storage
Cool completely, then pack into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a drizzle of cream or broth.
CONCLUSION
From the very first bite of this luscious Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti, you’re greeted with a melody of creamy textures, bold garlic notes, and that unmistakable nuttiness of freshly grated Parmesan. I’ve shared every step—from selecting your ingredients to the final flourish of parsley and mozzarella—to ensure you can recreate this dish effortlessly. With just 10 minutes of prep, 20 minutes of cooking, and a brief 2-minute rest, this beginner-friendly recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a dinner that feels indulgent enough for a special occasion, yet accessible enough for a cozy weeknight feast. And at around 600 calories per serving, you can savor each forkful guilt-free.
Feel free to print this article or save it for later—you deserve easy access to a recipe that guarantees rave reviews. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to tackle any questions that pop up, from ingredient swaps to troubleshooting tips. If you give this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your tweaks, or drop any questions or feedback you might have. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more cheesy, comforting dinners around your table!
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
Description
This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti combines rich flavors of Parmesan and garlic, delivering a velvety sauce that hugs every strand of pasta. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
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Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
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Sprinkle the chopped parsley and grated Mozzarella over the top. Stir until the Mozzarella is melted and well incorporated.
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Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spaghetti rest for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
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Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Note
- For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on personal preference.
