Creamy Parmesan Pasta 🧀🧄🍝 Silky, Savory, and Comforting With Bold Cheese Flavor in Every Glossy Bite

This is minimalist indulgence — butter, garlic, cream, and loads of Parmesan come together into a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta like it was meant to be there.

It’s fast, flexible, and all about the texture: creamy, salty, and luxurious with no extras required (unless you want them). Think fettuccine Alfredo’s more modern, slightly sharper cousin.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or splash of lemon juice

To finish

• More Parmesan
• Chopped parsley or basil
• Optional: drizzle of olive oil or chili oil

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Build the sauce
Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg or squeeze of lemon if using.

Step 4: Combine and toss
Add drained pasta and a splash of pasta water to the pan. Toss until glossy and well-coated. Adjust thickness with more pasta water as needed.

Step 5: Serve hot
Top with more Parmesan, fresh herbs, and an optional drizzle of olive oil or chili oil. Serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for depth
• Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon for protein
• Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic for umami punch
• Finish with lemon zest or truffle oil for brightness or luxury

Pro Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts smoother and emulsifies better
• Avoid boiling the cream too hard — keep the sauce silky
• Add pasta water slowly to get the perfect glossy texture
• Don’t over-salt early — Parmesan brings its own salinity
• Stir continuously when adding cheese to prevent clumping

Final Thoughts

Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of simple that feels special — rich, elegant, and endlessly tweakable. It’s your go-to when you want a fast, cozy dinner that still feels like a treat.

Swirl it. Sauce it. Let the cheese do the heavy lifting. 🧄🧀🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

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🧀 Sauce Styles

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🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
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• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.