Description
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is a creamy, garlicky, and irresistibly cheesy pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients like spaghetti, fresh garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella, it’s the perfect quick comfort meal for busy weeknights. Silky, rich, and bursting with Italian flavor, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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8 oz (225 g) spaghetti
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4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
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½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
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1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
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2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
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Make the garlic base: In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
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Create the creamy sauce: Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan and mozzarella. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
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Toss and serve: Add cooked spaghetti and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture.
Don’t overheat the cheese; turn off the heat once it melts to prevent clumping.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for a heartier meal.
For an extra garlic punch, add roasted garlic or a touch of garlic powder.
If reheating, use a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American