5 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor. The garlic adds a fragrant aroma, the butter gives richness, and the Parmesan cheese makes the pasta silky and creamy. It’s a versatile recipe that works with any pasta shape I have on hand, and I can easily adjust the sauce consistency with the reserved pasta water.

Ingredients

(Her’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup reserved pasta water

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta
I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, I reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, I melt the butter. I add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.

3. Make the Sauce
I pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir. Then, I reduce the heat to low and add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.

4. Toss the Pasta
I add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If needed, I add more reserved pasta water until I reach the desired consistency. I season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Serve and Enjoy
I divide the pasta into serving bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired. I serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

I like to mix this recipe up by:

• Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra protein.

• Tossing in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added veggies.

• Using garlic-infused olive oil instead of butter for a lighter flavor.

• Sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm the pasta on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to restore the creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works with any pasta shape, including spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine.

Can I make it dairy-free?

I can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

I recommend making the sauce fresh, but I can cook the pasta in advance and reheat it with the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?

I add reserved pasta water gradually until I reach the desired creamy consistency.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s best served fresh. Freezing may alter the texture of the sauce.

Conclusion

5 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick, simple, and incredibly flavorful meal. It’s rich, creamy, and comforting, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime I crave a satisfying pasta dish. With just a few ingredients, I can create a restaurant-quality pasta that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.

Print