Description
This Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner recipe featuring a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce blended with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. The sauce is enriched with butter, garlic, chicken stock, and heavy cream, tossed with tender pasta for a rich flavor and velvety texture. Optional fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil add aromatic notes for a customizable touch.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 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)
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces 100% brown rice gluten-free pasta, or regular pasta such as fettuccine or linguine
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then salt it generously with 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt. This will season the pasta while it cooks.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and minced garlic once the pan is hot. If using rosemary or thyme, add it now. Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to brown it.
- Add Chicken Stock: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces slightly, concentrating the flavor.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling salted water and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically around 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Make Cream Sauce: To the garlic and chicken stock mixture, add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8 minutes.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pan with the cream sauce over low heat. Toss well to combine so the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese and Adjust Sauce: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese along with the chopped fresh basil if using. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season the pasta with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the brown rice gluten-free pasta with any preferred type of pasta such as fettuccine or linguine.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil can be added to customize the flavor.
- Reserving pasta water is important as it helps to adjust the sauce consistency and creates a silky texture.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
