Name: Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Introduction

This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with parmesan, it’s sure to become a favorite for pasta lovers.

A white bowl filled with creamy baked pasta, showing several layers. The bottom layer is soft, yellow pasta noodles, covered by a thick, smooth white cheese sauce. On top, there is a golden-brown melted cheese layer with toasted spots and bits of black pepper sprinkled all over, adding texture. Small green parsley pieces are scattered evenly on the surface. A fork is lifting a portion of the cheesy pasta from the bowl, with gooey cheese stretching between the fork and the dish. The background shows a blurry bunch of green herbs and a wooden surface, all on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Spaghetti – 8 ounces
Fresh garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Grated parmesan cheese – 1 cup
Cream cheese – 4 ounces, softened
Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons
Black pepper – to taste
Salt – to taste
Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve half a cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to brown it.
Step 3: Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and combines smoothly.
Step 4: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, creating a rich sauce.
Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
Step 6: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
Use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-grated for a richer taste and smoother texture.
Gluten-free spaghetti works well as a substitute if you need a gluten-free option.
Add cooked grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy white spaghetti coated in a rich, smooth sauce, lifted by a silver fork showing tangle of noodles covered in the sauce. The sauce covers the pasta fully and has soft dollops of white cheese mixed in, sprinkled with small green herb pieces and coarse black pepper, all served in a round bowl with a dark rim. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. Add reserved pasta water during reheating to adjust the sauce consistency.

What type of parmesan cheese is best for this recipe?

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or a high-quality parmesan cheese is best, as it melts smoothly and adds a deep, nutty flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.