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Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 128 reviews

A rich and creamy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti recipe that combines al dente pasta with a luscious sauce made from butter, cream cheese, fresh garlic, and Parmesan. This quick and comforting Italian dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a touch of fresh parsley for garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti

  • 8 ounces spaghetti

Sauce

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving half a cup of pasta water.
  2. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it begins to melt and combine with the butter and garlic. Then gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
  4. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and reach your desired consistency.
  5. Season and Garnish: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
  • Reserve some pasta water as the starch helps the sauce adhere better to the spaghetti.
  • Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
  • For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with part-skim ricotta or reduce butter slightly.
  • Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.

Keywords: Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti, Italian pasta recipe, creamy pasta, garlic butter sauce, Parmesan pasta

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/cheesy-garlic-parmesan-spaghetti-recipe/