Delicious Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
A quick and easy pasta dish that brings a punch of flavor! This super easy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti dish can be on the table in about 20 minutes, requires few ingredients, and will surprise you with its fresh flavors!
Comfort food at its best! Just like my Bowtie Pasta and Broccoli Bake and Tomato & Mozzarella Baked Penne, this recipe is a keeper! It’s easy to make, full of flavor, budget-friendly, and downright delicious!
What Is This Spaghetti Dish Like?
- Difficulty: This dish is easy to make, requiring just 10 minutes of prep and about 15 minutes of cooking time.
- Taste: Fresh and delightful, this pasta isn’t drowned in sauce; instead, it’s lightly coated with butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese, perfect for flavor lovers.
- Serving: This recipe serves 4 as a main dish. It’s best enjoyed right off the stove, but don’t worry—you can easily adjust the serving size in the recipe card at the end!
Ingredients
- Pasta: Spaghetti works wonderfully for this dish, but you can use any pasta you prefer.
- Butter: A must for rich flavor.
- Olive oil: Combined with the butter, it enhances the richness of the spaghetti.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential—slice it thinly for the best infusion of flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Light and flavorful, it’s the star of this dish.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a delightful touch of brightness.
Note: You can find the complete recipe and specific measurements at the end.
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and cook according to the package directions (usually about 8 to 10 minutes). Once done, drain the spaghetti, reserving a couple of ladles of pasta water for later.
- Prepare the garlic mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. After about a minute, add olive oil and thinly sliced garlic. Stir frequently until the garlic becomes aromatic but be careful not to burn it—this should take just a couple of minutes.
- Combine: Lower the heat, then add the cooked spaghetti, parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Toss everything together vigorously, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to create a smoother sauce consistency if needed.
- Serve: Enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti immediately, garnished with additional parsley and freshly cracked black pepper for an extra touch!
Recipe Tips
- Slice the garlic thin: Make sure your garlic is thinly sliced for even cooking and a nice flavor infusion.
- Time-saving tip: While your pasta cooks, start on the garlic sauté—this way, everything will be ready at the same time!
Substitutions
- Pasta: Feel free to replace spaghetti with pasta shells, penne, or even bowtie pasta if you’d like!
- Fresh parsley: Other fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be delightful alternatives!
- Parmesan cheese: If you need a different option, try pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist!
Serving Suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between spaghetti and linguine?
Linguine and spaghetti are quite similar; both are long and thin. However, linguine is a bit thicker and flatter than spaghetti, which is round and tubular.
Is spaghetti considered a noodle or pasta?
Spaghetti is considered 100% pasta!
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers would make a fantastic addition.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Just substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance and cook it just before serving for maximum flavor!
