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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat The main ingredients are key to making creamy garlic parmesan pasta. Fettuccine is a great choice because it holds the sauce well. Olive oil adds healthy fat and flavor. Garlic brings a rich, savory note that makes this dish stand out. Heavy cream adds the creaminess you want. Parmesan cheese is what makes it truly special. It melts into the sauce, creating a rich, flavorful base. For seasonings, garlic powder and onion powder enhance the taste. Salt and pepper help balance the dish. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes are a great option. As you gather these ingredients, keep in mind that quality matters. Fresh garlic and good cheese can elevate this dish. Check out the Full Recipe to see how to combine these flavors into a delightful meal. - Bring salted water to a rolling boil. - Cook fettuccine according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Cooking pasta is simple but crucial. Use a large pot and plenty of water. Salt enhances flavor, so don’t skip it. When the pasta is done, drain it but save some of the water. This starchy water helps the sauce later. - Heat olive oil in a skillet. - Mince garlic and sauté until fragrant. For the garlic, use fresh cloves. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic once the oil is hot. Stir it for 1-2 minutes. The smell will be amazing! Watch closely to avoid burning. - Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. - Simmer cream and whisk in Parmesan cheese. Next, turn the heat down and add heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes. Stir often to keep it from sticking. Now, gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese. This creates a rich, creamy sauce. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. - Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce. - Toss to coat and heat through. Once the sauce is ready, add the drained fettuccine. Toss it well to coat every strand. Heat it for 2 more minutes. This helps the pasta absorb the sauce's flavor. - Sprinkle red pepper flakes (optional). - Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. If you want some spice, add red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Your creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is now ready to enjoy. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To get the right sauce thickness, use reserved pasta water. This starchy water helps make the sauce creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little water until it’s just right. To avoid burning garlic, cook it on medium heat. Stir it often to keep it from turning too dark. A golden color adds flavor, but burnt garlic tastes bitter. Cooking times depend on the pasta. Fettuccine usually cooks in about 8-10 minutes. Check it a minute or two before the time is up. You want it firm yet tender, also known as al dente. Always add salt to boiling water. This simple step enhances the pasta’s flavor. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt for a big pot of water. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. This allows the creamy sauce to pool beautifully. It also makes it easier for guests to enjoy. Add garnishes for color and visual appeal. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese makes it look even more inviting. Enjoy your meal! {{image_4}} You can add proteins to your creamy garlic parmesan pasta for a heartier meal. Grilled chicken works great. Just slice it and mix it in. Shrimp is another tasty option. Cook them separately and toss them in at the end. If you want a vegetarian choice, try mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms until they are golden before adding them to the pasta. Adding veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach is a fantastic choice. Stir it in at the end so it wilts nicely. Broccoli also fits well in this dish. Steam it lightly, then mix it in. Roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky flavor. Dice them up and fold them in for a vibrant touch. To elevate the taste, think about herbs. Thyme and basil are both excellent options. Just sprinkle them in while cooking the sauce. They add a fresh aroma. You can also switch up the cheeses. Try provolone or mozzarella for a different flavor. Mixing these with parmesan creates a rich, creamy finish. To keep your creamy garlic Parmesan pasta fresh, start by letting it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, avoid drying them out. You can use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the pasta creamy. Alternatively, use the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or cream to the pan. Heat it slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. To freeze the dish, first let it cool completely. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. It will last about two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the stovetop method for the best texture. You can easily swap regular pasta for gluten-free options. Look for fettuccine made from rice, corn, or legumes. These options cook well and still taste great. Always check the package for cooking times, as they may vary. Yes, you can use pre-grated Parmesan cheese. However, fresh cheese tastes better and melts smoother. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can change the texture. For the best flavor, I recommend grating your own cheese. This pasta pairs well with many side dishes. Try a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a nice crunch. A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy sauce perfectly. You can also serve some roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrition. To make this dish vegetarian, simply skip any meat. You can add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for more flavor. These additions keep the dish hearty and satisfying without meat. Leftovers of creamy garlic parmesan pasta usually last about three to four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to keep the sauce creamy. This blog post outlined a simple yet delicious fettuccine recipe. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfecting your dish. Variations and storage info can help you personalize your meal. Remember, adding different proteins, veggies, or seasonings can make it your own. With the right techniques, you’ll create a creamy garlic parmesan pasta that impresses. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and share your tasty results!

- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in the delight of creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with this easy recipe! This rich and flavorful dish transforms simple ingredients like fettuccine, garlic, and Parmesan cheese into a satisfying meal your family will love. Perfect for any night, it's quick to prepare but packed with a gourmet taste. Ready to impress? Click through to explore the full recipe and uncover tips to make it your own. Enjoy every bite!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, and set the pasta aside.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until fragrant and golden, taking care not to let it burn.

      Create the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream. Allow the cream to warm up and simmer softly for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.

        Add Cheese and Seasoning: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually incorporate some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet, tossing it gently to ensure each strand is coated in the creamy mixture. Continue to heat everything together for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.

            Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. For a touch of heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

              - Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, allowing the creamy sauce to pool slightly at the bottom. Scatter some extra Parmesan and a few parsley leaves on top for a pop of color. Enjoy your delightful meal!