You know those nights when you want something comforting, cheesy, and absolutely delicious? This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is just the ticket. I stumbled upon this gem on one of those rainy evenings when the world felt too dreary, and all I wanted was some pasta to wrap around me like a warm blanket. Little did I know, this dish would quickly become a go-to, a staple in my modest culinary repertoire. It combines simplicity and flavor in a way that feels like a warm hug, and trust me, it’s perfect for impressing friends—or just treating yourself.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s talk about why this recipe is a must-try. First, the flavors are pure magic. Garlic sautéed in butter and olive oil permeates the pasta with a rich, savory aroma that fills your space and invites everyone to the table. Those cheesy strings of melted mozzarella and the nutty depth of Parmesan? It’s like a cheesy fairytale come to life. Plus, it’s a super quick meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight routine—less than half an hour from start to finish!
Moreover, it’s surprisingly flexible. You can keep it as a simple, luscious dish or throw in veggies or proteins for a heartier meal. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients lurking in your pantry or fridge, just waiting for their moment to shine. Have I got your taste buds tingling yet?
Gather these ingredients
This dish is straightforward, but getting the right ingredients makes all the difference.
- Spaghetti (8 oz): This long, versatile pasta is perfect for twirling on a fork, capturing all the creamy goodness.
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): Don’t skimp here! Fresh garlic is essential for that punchy flavor. If, for some reason, you’re out of fresh, a pinch of garlic powder could work in a pinch.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, plus extra for topping): Use good-quality grated Parmesan—it brings a beautiful umami flavor to the sauce. Grating it fresh is worth the extra effort!
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): This adds that gooey, stretchy texture that makes every bite feel indulgent.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp) and olive oil (2 tbsp): I love this combo! The butter enriches the sauce, while the olive oil gives it that lovely finish without overpowering the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings, but don’t underestimate their importance!
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A sprinkle of this vibrant herb adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to balance the richness.
The cooking process explained
Alright, let’s get our hands a little dirty and make some magic! Here’s how we put this tantalizing dish together step by step.
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Cook the spaghetti: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a roaring boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions—typically about 8-10 minutes—until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite to it! Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to save about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for the sauce.
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Prepare the garlic sauce: Grab a large skillet and melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for just 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown and smells divine—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
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Add cheese and pasta water: Lower the heat slightly, and add both the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses melt into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Now add the reserved pasta water a little at a time—this will help create the consistency you desire. A little extra moisture makes all the difference!
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Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet, coating it evenly with that lovely cheesy garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.
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Serve: Dish out the pasta onto plates, giving each serving a generous shower of chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Isn’t it gorgeous?
Best way to enjoy it
Now for the fun part: serving this beauty! Pair your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. It helps balance the richness of the pasta. If you’re feeling adventurous, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the spaghetti for an added punch of protein and color.
Oh, and let’s not forget some crusty bread on the side! You’ll want something to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce—who could resist?
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you’ll want to store them properly. Let the spaghetti cool down a bit, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or more olive oil to loosen the sauce. You can also pop it in the microwave, but I recommend the stove for better texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked spaghetti. Just remember, while it’s best fresh, you can keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently, just like before!
Helpful cooking tips
Here’s where I share some insider secrets! First, always use fresh garlic if possible; it’s a game-changer. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a wonderful kick.
Also, if you can, grate your cheese right before you cook—freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and offers a better flavor than pre-grated options loaded with anti-caking agents.
Recipe variations
Feeling creative? Here are some fun twists you can try!
- Creaminess factor: Swirl in a dollop of cream or a splash of half-and-half for an even richer sauce.
- Add greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale right at the end. The heat from the pasta will wilt the greens perfectly!
- Herbs and spices: Consider adding a pinch of Italian seasoning or fresh basil for more layers of flavor.
- Protein power: Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for a heartier dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes), until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
- Lower heat; stir in Parmesan and mozzarella. Mix until melted.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Toss cooked spaghetti in the skillet until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Your questions answered
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What can I serve with Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or grilled meats make excellent companions. -
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip any meat add-ins, and it’s perfect as is. -
How do I reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. -
How long does it keep in the fridge?
You can enjoy this for up to 3 days after making it. -
Any dietary swaps?
You can use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheese if you have dietary restrictions.
Oh, what a joy it is to share this recipe! Trust me, once you try making Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti, it will quickly become a staple in your home. The combination of cheese, garlic, and that perfect pasta twirl will have you smiling at every forkful. I encourage you to give it a shot, experiment a bit, and don’t forget to share your delightful experiences. Welcome to the marvelous world of pasta—let’s keep exploring together!
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
Description
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is a quick and delicious meal combining the flavors of garlic, butter, and rich cheeses. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests!Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
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Cook the spaghetti
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. -
Prepare the garlic sauce
Melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant.Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic. -
Add cheese and pasta water
Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella. Mix until melted. Gradually add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. -
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat well. Season with salt and pepper. -
Serve
Plate the pasta and garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 15g30%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
