Easy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This Easy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With tender pasta coated in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce, it’s a comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you're craving garlic and parmesan pasta or looking for a versatile dish to pair with protein, this recipe is an easy and delicious option. This recipe also works well in your kids' thermos for an easy main dish for their lunches.

Why You'll Love This Easy Parmesan Garlic Pasta

Inspired by Italian flavors, this garlic pasta parmesan recipe brings together simple ingredients for a creamy and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making classic parmesan and garlic pasta or adding protein to turn it into a garlic parmesan chicken and pasta dish, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s also easy to modify—make it a garlic parmesan penne pasta for a fun twist, or turn it into a crock pot parmesan garlic chicken meal by slow-cooking chicken in the flavorful sauce.

This was inspired by my Chicken Alfredo and Balsamic Chicken recipes, and pairs well with these Copycat Snackers. If you are looking for a store bought sauce that tastes similar you can always try Rao's Garlic Alfredo Sauce. It's not as light of a sauce but it's a good alternative to have on hand.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This dish uses pantry staples to create a rich and creamy parmesan garlic sauce that pairs well with any pasta shape. You can also add chicken for a delicious garlic parmesan pasta with chicken variation.

• Spaghetti (or any pasta of choice, like penne for garlic parmesan penne pasta)
• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth (or water + Better Than Bouillon)
• Italian seasoning
• Freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream or half & half
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Parmesan Garlic Pasta (Step by Step)

Making pasta with garlic and parmesan is simple and requires just a few steps. Cook the pasta, prepare the garlic butter sauce, and combine everything for a deliciously creamy dish.

1. Step 1: Cook your pasta according to the package instructions and set aside. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work great in this garlic and parmesan pasta.

2. Step 2: In a large pan, melt butter over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. This step is key for developing the bold flavor of your parmesan garlic sauce. into ball shape with your hands

3. Step 3: Add chicken broth and Italian seasoning, bringing it to a boil. Turn off the heat and stir in parmesan and heavy cream. For a more indulgent version, use full heavy cream for an ultra-rich sauce. into patties

4. Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. To make garlic parmesan pasta with chicken, simply add grilled or shredded chicken to the mix.

Hint: For the best texture, use freshly shredded parmesan instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, which may contain anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.

Substitutions

To accommodate different dietary needs, try these swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for an easy gluten-free garlic parmesan chicken and pasta dish.
• Dairy-Free: Swap butter for dairy-free butter, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and replace heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
• Vegan: Use dairy-free substitutions and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Customize this dish with different flavors and add-ins:

• Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Stir in cooked, shredded, or grilled chicken for a protein boost.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture.
• Crock Pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken: Slow cook chicken in the sauce for a hands-off, flavorful dinner.

Equipment

Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Stone bakeware takes longer to heat up than metal pans, and also retain heat for longer, which could make the recipe more watery, or burnt on the outsides.

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large pan or skillet
• Stirring spoon
• Cheese grater

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.

Try warming the leftovers up and add to a thermos for your kids' lunches. My kids approve!

FAQs About Parmesan Garlic Pasta

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Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This creamy Parmesan Garlic Pasta is an easy and flavorful dish made with simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it’s rich, garlicky, and customizable with protein or vegetables.

Course Dinner, Main Course, Pasta, Weeknight Dinner

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword creamy garlic parmesan sauce, galic parmesan pasta, garlic and parmesan pasta, parmesan garlic pasta, pasta with garlic and parmesan

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 450kcal

Cost $10

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet or Dutch Oven
• Stirring Spoon
• Cheese grater

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti or preferred pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 cups chicken broth or 2 cups water + 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• ⅔ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Add chicken broth and Italian seasoning, bringing to a boil. Turn off the heat.
• Stir in parmesan cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.