Name: Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chicken stock; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (add with the garlic); Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (add at the end with Parmesan); 12 ounces 100% brown rice gluten-free pasta, or regular pasta such as fettuccine or linguine; Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 10 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting yet impressive dish, this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with freshly grated Parmesan, it offers a perfect balance of rich flavor and indulgent texture that comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a simple dish to impress guests, this pasta combines simple ingredients in a way that feels truly special without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six small white bowls arranged on a wooden surface. The top left bowl has two small thick yellow butter blocks. To its right is a bowl holding a mix of white salt and black pepper. Further right, a bigger white bowl filled with finely grated pale yellow cheese sits. Below on the left is a bowl with a light golden liquid, likely oil. In the center is a clear glass measuring cup filled almost to the top with foamy white cream. The bottom right bowl has two peeled garlic cloves that are off-white and smooth. All bowls are simple and round with the white marbled texture replaced under them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe plays an important role in creating its luxurious taste and velvety texture. From the buttery garlic base to the sharp Parmesan finish, these essentials work together to bring a comforting classic to your table.

Butter (2 tbsp): Creates the creamy, rich foundation and helps sauté the garlic perfectly.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers that signature fragrant punch that infuses the entire dish.
Chicken stock (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle depth and balances the richness of the cream.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce a luscious, velvety consistency.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup + extra): Provides a nutty, salty flavor that ties everything together.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a refreshing pop of color and brightness as a finishing touch.
Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor layer.
Brown rice gluten-free pasta (12 ounces) or regular pasta: Fettuccine or linguine work beautifully to hold the sauce.
Optional fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil add unique aromatic dimensions when included.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Water and Sauté the Garlic

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil, which will cook your pasta perfectly al dente. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and add the minced garlic. If you want to incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme for an herbal twist, add it now. The key here is to cook the garlic just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—so it doesn’t turn bitter.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer so the liquid reduces slightly, concentrating its flavor. This step is crucial for balancing the creamy elements that follow.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Once your water boils, salt it generously—this is your chance to season the pasta itself. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid clumping. The pasta should be al dente, with just the right bounce.

Step 4: Add Cream and Simmer

To the garlic and chicken stock, add your heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, roughly 8 minutes. This slow simmer gives you that luscious sauce that clings to every noodle.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta while reserving a cup of the cooking water—it’s a handy tool for adjusting the sauce consistency later. Toss the pasta in the saucepan with your cream sauce over low heat to marry all those flavors. Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese off the heat. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it up with a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If you have fresh basil, fold it in now for a bright, herby note. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with creamy pasta. The pasta is light yellow with a smooth, saucy texture, tossed evenly in the pan. Small green herb sprinkles are scattered on top, adding a touch of color. A wooden spoon is partly submerged in the pasta near the center. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with soft, natural light casting gentle shadows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe, sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. These simple garnishes brighten the dish visually and add an extra layer of fresh flavor that balances the creaminess.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, vibrant sides like a baby arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Their freshness contrasts the rich pasta and keeps your meal well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, plate this pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers that add a pop of elegance. You can also serve it alongside crusty, toasted garlic bread to make every bite even more indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken up, but that’s easy to fix when reheating.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the pasta and sauce separately to maintain texture. The cream sauce may separate after freezing, so thaw carefully and reheat gently.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in a little milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. This will bring back that creamy texture and keep the flavors fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Parmesan is unique with its nutty, salty flavor that defines this recipe. You can experiment with Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite, but avoid milder cheeses as they won’t provide the same depth.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! Using a gluten-free pasta like brown rice pasta works perfectly here, and it cooks just like regular pasta without compromising taste or texture.

Can I make this dish vegan?

For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.

How long does the Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe take to make?

From start to finish, this recipe is incredibly quick, taking about 20 minutes total, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?

Long, flat noodles like fettuccine or linguine are the best match because they hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to try other shapes you love!

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something utterly delicious and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers satisfaction and elegance without any stress—give it a try and watch it quickly become a culinary favorite in your home.