Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Garlic spaghetti in a blue bowl topped with shaved parmesan.

Garlicky and cheesy, this spaghetti is the most perfect comfort food! This garlic parmesan pasta recipe is great enjoyed by itself for a quick and easy dinner, or enjoy with your favorite sauces and meatballs.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings main servings (4 as a side)

Calories 845kcal

Author Slow The Cook Down

Ingredients

8 ounces spaghetti (225g)
½ stick salted butter (4 tablespoons / 57g)
3 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
freshly grated black pepper
1 cup freshly grated parmesan (90g)
shaved parmesan and fresh parsley to garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Do not drain the spaghetti
While the spaghetti is cooking, add the butter, chopped garlic and some black pepper to skillet and place on a medium heat. Allow the butter to melt. Stir occasionally so that the garlic softens.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, use tongs to remove it from the water and straight into the skillet with the garlic butter. This transfers some of the pasta water into the skillet which helps to create a light sauce.
Add the parmesan to the spaghetti and toss together to combine.
Ladle in some pasta water, a bit at a time, and toss together. Add around ½ cup of pasta water depending on the consistency you like.
Serve with shaved parmesan and fresh parsley.

Notes

Cook the spaghetti in heavily salted water to add flavor.
Don't drain the spaghetti when it's finished cooking, add it straight from the pot into the garlic and butter, so you bring some of that lovely pasta water with it.
Melt the butter and start to soften the garlic as your pasta is cooking, so when it's ready, it can be added right in.
Nutritional values are an estimate and are for 2 large main servings.

Nutrition