Go Back
To make Minute Garlic Parmesan Pasta Skillet, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s a simple list: - Main ingredients: - 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 4 cloves garlic, minced - ¼ cup unsalted butter - Sauce components: - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Optional ingredients: - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat) - Zest of 1 lemon (for brightness) Using fresh garlic enhances the flavor. The butter adds richness, while heavy cream and Parmesan create a creamy sauce. If you like some spice, add red pepper flakes. The lemon zest gives a fresh touch that balances the dish. Gathering these ingredients ensures a quick and tasty meal. I love how easy it is to whip this up. This dish is perfect for busy days or a cozy night in. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the flavors! First, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Salt helps to flavor the pasta well. Add 8 oz of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is done, save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps adjust the sauce later. Next, use the same pot to sauté the garlic. Melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and optional ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great, but be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can ruin the dish. Now for the sauce! Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly. A smooth sauce is key for a great pasta dish. Time to combine! Add the drained pasta back to the pot. Toss it well with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Do this a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce thickness. This step makes a big difference in how the dish turns out. Finally, season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the zest of 1 lemon for a fresh kick. Lemon zest brightens up the flavors and makes the dish more exciting. Finish by removing the pot from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal! - Use a large pot for boiling pasta. It helps cook evenly. - A pasta pot with a built-in strainer saves time when draining. - Chop garlic and parsley ahead of time. This makes cooking faster. - Measure out all ingredients before starting. This keeps things organized. - Serve pasta in shallow bowls for a nice look. - Top with extra Parmesan and parsley. This adds color and flavor. - Add a lemon wedge on the side. It brightens the dish. - Pair with a simple green salad. A fresh salad balances the meal. - Try adding fresh basil or oregano for more taste. - Consider using thyme for a warm flavor twist. - A splash of white wine can elevate the sauce. - Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. It complements garlic well. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Minute Garlic Parmesan Pasta Skillet. Here’s how: - Chicken: Cook diced chicken in the skillet before adding garlic. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Then add garlic and follow the recipe. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp for 3-4 minutes. Make sure they turn pink. Then add garlic and continue with the recipe. - Tofu: Use firm tofu. Cube it and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden. Add garlic next and proceed with the recipe. Cooking times for proteins can vary. Always check that chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Shrimp should be opaque, and tofu should be crispy on the outside. If you want a vegetarian dish, try these substitutes: - Pasta: Use any pasta shape you like. Whole wheat or gluten-free options work well too. - Cream: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan touch. Or use cashew cream for a lighter feel. - Cheese: Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. Feel free to swap out ingredients for variety: - Pasta Types: Try penne, fusilli, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a fun twist. - Seasonal Vegetables: Add veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Cook them with the garlic for extra flavor. These swaps keep the meal fresh and exciting, perfect for any season! To store leftover garlic parmesan pasta, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You should refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. The pasta stays good for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or cream. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out. Stir gently until heated through. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the pasta will expand. Label each container with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place it in cold water. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of reserved pasta water to help it regain its creamy texture. Stir often until hot. This dish is quick to make. It takes about 20 minutes total. You spend 5 minutes prepping ingredients. Cooking the pasta takes around 10 minutes. Sautéing the garlic and making the sauce adds another 5 minutes. Yes, you can swap the cheese! Try using mozzarella for a stretchier texture. Feta adds a tangy kick. You could also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Each cheese gives a unique twist to the dish! This pasta pairs well with many sides. A crisp garden salad complements it nicely. Garlic bread adds a tasty touch. Roasted vegetables can add color and flavor too. You could even serve it with grilled chicken for protein. Absolutely! You can make this dish in advance. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. To keep it creamy, add a splash of water or cream when reheating. This post covered the key ingredients and steps for making delicious garlic Parmesan pasta. You learned how to cook pasta, sauté garlic, and create a smooth sauce. We also discussed ways to customize the dish with proteins, veggies, and herbs. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and having fun. Use these tips to create your version. Enjoy the dish and share it with friends!

Minute Garlic Parmesan Pasta Skillet

Whip up a delicious Minute Garlic Parmesan Pasta Skillet in just 20 minutes! This creamy pasta dish features garlic, butter, and Parmesan for a rich flavor that will wow your dinner guests. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's easy to make and customizable with your favorite ingredients. Ready to elevate your mealtime? Click through for the full recipe and impress your family with this quick and delightful dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta

4 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup unsalted butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Zest of 1 lemon (for brightness)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.

    Sauté Garlic: In the same pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

      Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

        Combine: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Toss to coat the pasta in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

          Season: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix in the lemon zest for added freshness.

            Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

              Prep Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and parsley on top, and add a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of color.