If you are craving a rich, satisfying pasta dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Silky strands of spaghetti tossed in a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, freshly grated parmesan, garlic, and a touch of butter create an irresistible harmony of flavors. The sauce is beautifully creamy without being heavy, and the subtle garlic aroma perfectly complements the cheesy goodness. Quick and straightforward to prepare, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe is comfort food elevated to a whole new level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to deliver an incredibly flavorful experience. Each element plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and visual appeal of this dish.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Use your favorite pasta, but spaghetti works best for coating with the creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the garlic evenly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic base that elevates the sauce.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Delivers the rich, velvety texture essential to the creaminess.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings sharp, salty depth and melts beautifully.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky and luxurious without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adjusts the sauce consistency and keeps it light enough to coat the pasta well.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and a lovely finish to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Brightens the dish with a pop of color and freshness when used as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Before draining, be sure to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid will be a secret weapon later on to adjust the sauce’s consistency perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. You want to coax out those fragrant garlic oils without letting the garlic brown or burn, which could make it bitter. This step lays down the aromatic foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk to the skillet. Stir gently until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture becomes smooth and inviting. Taking it slow here ensures the sauce doesn’t separate and stays truly creamy.
Step 4: Incorporate the Parmesan
Gradually whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. This not only thickens the sauce but delivers the iconic cheesy flavor you’re after. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it, making it easier to coat every strand of spaghetti evenly.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Seasoning
Stir in the butter until it’s melted completely, adding a silky gloss and a touch of richness that rounds out the sauce. Finally, season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. These simple additions ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with your creamy sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together gently, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated. If the sauce needs a little loosening, toss in more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Serving immediately at this stage guarantees the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is a simple yet brilliant way to bring color and a fresh bite to the dish. You can also grate a little extra parmesan on top for those cheesy lovers who want more. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving enhances the richness and shines up the presentation.
Side Dishes
This creamy spaghetti pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads featuring vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also complement the dish by adding texture and refreshing flavors. For heartier meals, garlic bread or warm focaccia are fantastic companions to scoop up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Twirl the spaghetti classically into tight nests on each plate and place a sprig of parsley or basil leaf on top for an elegant touch. Serve in shallow white bowls to highlight the luscious sauce, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick and visual contrast. Hosting a dinner? Present this alongside freshly cracked black pepper and extra parmesan at the table for personalized seasoning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be rare given how delicious this dish is), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken upon chilling, so a little stirring will help revive its creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta can be tricky because dairy-based sauces sometimes separate when thawed. However, you can freeze leftover spaghetti in a sealed freezer-friendly container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To bring the dish back to life, warm it slowly in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water added atomically to loosen it up. Avoid high heat as it can cause the sauce to separate. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and the spaghetti is heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and ideal for this sauce, feel free to swap in fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?
For a non-dairy twist, you can use plant-based cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The creaminess might be slightly different, but you’ll still get great flavor with the garlic and olive oil.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce during cooking or garnish each plate with a pinch. A dash of cayenne pepper also works well if you want to incorporate heat evenly.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove with a little milk or pasta water to bring back its creamy texture before mixing with freshly cooked pasta.
What type of parmesan is best to use?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is best because it melts smoothly and has a vibrant flavor. Avoid pre-grated parmesan for this recipe as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe is a true gem when you want a comforting, cheesy meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Its luscious sauce, balanced flavors, and simple ingredients come together so beautifully, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will feel like your own little secret to satisfying pasta nights with family and friends.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy spaghetti recipe features a quick and luscious sauce made with cream cheese, parmesan, heavy cream, and butter, perfectly coating tender spaghetti. It’s a comforting and indulgent pasta dish that comes together in just 25 minutes, ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the spaghetti, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Dairy Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk to the skillet.
- Combine Sauce: Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and creates a smooth, creamy base.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is well blended and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your preferred texture.
- Add Butter: Stir in the unsalted butter until melted, enriching the sauce’s flavor and texture.
- Season Sauce: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce.
- Coat Evenly: Use tongs to toss and coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the creamy spaghetti right away while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without thinning flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best texture and taste.
- Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly; allow it to sit at room temperature before cooking.
- Adjust milk quantity based on desired creaminess and sauce thickness.
- Garlic can be substituted with garlic powder for a milder flavor if preferred.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as the sauce can thicken upon standing.
