Let me tell you about the time I transformed a few simple ingredients into the dreamiest, most comforting bowl of pasta without breaking a sweat—it was love at first bite.
This Easy Parmesan Pasta has everything I love about pasta. It’s very simple yet so flavorful!
You only need a few key ingredients to make it, and it’s perfect for those weeknights when you want something quick but also don’t want to sacrifice nutrition or taste. For spaghetti, you really do just want a basic ol’ spaghetti with a touch of olive oil, and a big ol’ cup of Parmesan cheese.
You want it creamy and cheesy while also being nutrient-dense. You can achieve these without going overboard with either ingredients or time.
Ingredients
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Ingredient Quantities
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) reserved pasta water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make this
1. Prepare the spaghetti or pasta of choice in a large pot of salted boiling water as per the instructions on the package, until it is just barely done (al dente). Set aside 1 cup (240ml) of the water that the pasta was cooked in, and then let the pasta go through a colander.
2. In a large frying pan or skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Combine the garlic, pasta, and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring well to coat the pasta.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta gradually, and toss continuously to combine.
6. In small amounts, add the reserved pasta water, tossing the pasta as you do so, until the cheese transforms into a creamy sauce.
7. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the pasta for seasoning, and do so according to your taste.
8. Continue to toss the pasta over low heat until the sauce has thickened and clings to the pasta.
9. Take away the skillet from the heat and slather with freshly chopped parsley. Only if you are using it, though.
10. Serve right away, and if desired, with extra Parmesan cheese as garnish.
Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Measuring cup
4. Large frying pan or skillet
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Cheese grater
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?A: Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice, like fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
- Q: Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can be used as substitutes for Parmesan cheese.
- Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?A: To prepare the recipe in a gluten-free manner, just use gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients and methods remain unchanged.
- Q: How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?A: Be certain to add the cheese slowly while stirring all the time. That way, the cheese will melt and will not clump.
- Q: Can I add protein to this dish?Certainly! Great additions would be grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Q: Is the parsley necessary?A: Adding parsley is not obligatory; it contributes a fresh taste and appearance but may be left out.
- Q: What can I do if the pasta is too dry?A: To achieve the desired consistency, add more of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time.
Easy Parmesan Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations
For the choice of spaghetti or pasta: Replace with whole wheat pasta, a gluten-free pasta, or low-carb spaghetti made from zucchini.
Try these alternatives for the olive oil in the recipe: Use butter if you want a rich, delicious flavor; use avocado oil for a healthy alternative.
For the garlic: If fresh garlic is not available, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
For the Parmesan cheese, use Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different yet complementary cheesy taste.
For the fresh parsley: Use fresh basil or chives instead for a different herbal note.
Pro Tips
1. Cheese Quality: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated varieties. Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the creamy texture of the sauce.
2. Pasta Water Magic: Reserve more than a cup of pasta water initially in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency. The starchy water helps bind the sauce and can be added gradually for the perfect texture.
3. Garlic Timing: To avoid burning the garlic, add it to the olive oil once it’s been heated slightly, and keep an eye on it during sautéing. If it starts to brown too much, reduce the heat to maintain the perfect fragrant base.
4. Pasta Tossing: Continuously toss the pasta while adding cheese and pasta water to ensure even coating and prevent clumping. This technique also helps the sauce emulsify and adhere to the pasta better.
5. Serving Tip: Serve the dish immediately to enjoy it at its best. The sauce tends to thicken as it sits, so if you plan to make it ahead, have some extra reserved pasta water ready to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Easy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
My favorite Easy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Measuring cup
4. Large frying pan or skillet
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Cheese grater
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) reserved pasta water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the spaghetti or pasta of choice in a large pot of salted boiling water as per the instructions on the package, until it is just barely done (al dente). Set aside 1 cup (240ml) of the water that the pasta was cooked in, and then let the pasta go through a colander.
2. In a large frying pan or skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Combine the garlic, pasta, and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring well to coat the pasta.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta gradually, and toss continuously to combine.
6. In small amounts, add the reserved pasta water, tossing the pasta as you do so, until the cheese transforms into a creamy sauce.
7. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the pasta for seasoning, and do so according to your taste.
8. Continue to toss the pasta over low heat until the sauce has thickened and clings to the pasta.
9. Take away the skillet from the heat and slather with freshly chopped parsley. Only if you are using it, though.
10. Serve right away, and if desired, with extra Parmesan cheese as garnish.
