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- 12 oz spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved) - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon (optional) Gather these simple yet tasty ingredients before you start cooking. The spaghetti serves as the base of our dish, bringing a delightful texture. Unsalted butter adds richness. Fresh garlic gives a strong, bold flavor. Red pepper flakes bring just the right amount of heat. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely creaminess. Fresh parsley will brighten the dish with its color and taste. The pasta water is key! It helps bind the sauce together. Always save some before draining. Finally, adding lemon zest is optional but highly recommended. It lifts the flavors and adds a fresh twist. Now that you know the ingredients, you are ready to create this Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti. Feel free to experiment with the amounts based on your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. 2. Once it boils, add the spaghetti. Cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. 3. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti in a colander. 1. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. 2. Add 6 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, not browned. 1. Stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds to wake up the flavors. 2. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss it well to coat with the garlic butter. 3. Gradually sprinkle in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese while tossing. If it is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. 1. Taste your spaghetti and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. 2. If you like, add the zest of 1 lemon for a bright touch. 3. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Toss until combined. To get the best taste, always use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a strong, sweet flavor. Look for firm bulbs with no soft spots. When choosing Parmesan cheese, go for a block rather than pre-grated. Grating it yourself boosts the flavor. Aged Parmesan has a deeper taste, which works well in this dish. To prevent overcooking the spaghetti, follow the package instructions closely. Start checking it a minute or two early. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. For spice, use red pepper flakes. Add a little at first, then taste. You can always add more if you want more heat. For serving, warm your bowls before adding the spaghetti. This keeps the dish hot for longer. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A lemon wedge on the side adds a pop of color and freshness. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook the spaghetti until al dente for the best texture, as it will continue to cook slightly after draining. Butter vs. Olive Oil: While butter provides a rich flavor, using a blend of olive oil can add depth and a healthier twist to the dish. Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and creaminess; pre-grated cheese often lacks the same richness. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as basil or thyme to add unique flavors and aromas to your garlic Parmesan spaghetti. {{image_2}} You can change up the noodles by using whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti. Whole wheat adds a nutty taste and extra fiber. Gluten-free options help those with gluten allergies enjoy this dish. Instead of butter, try using olive oil. Olive oil gives a lighter taste and is a heart-healthy choice. It also adds a different flavor to the meal. You can use the same amount of olive oil as butter for a smooth swap. Want to make your dish heartier? Add cooked chicken or shrimp to your spaghetti. Just toss them in with the pasta at the end. They absorb the flavors well and make the meal filling. You can also add fresh vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes. Cook them briefly before adding the spaghetti. This keeps them bright and tasty. For a seasonal touch, use whatever veggies are fresh, like asparagus in spring or zucchini in summer. Experimenting with different cheeses can change the whole dish. Try mixing in Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste. You might also enjoy using a mix of mozzarella for extra creaminess. Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme can lift the flavor. These herbs bring a nice aroma and freshness. Just sprinkle them in right before serving for the best flavor. To keep your Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. This will help avoid moisture build-up. In the fridge, your spaghetti stays good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it can last up to 2 months. When reheating Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti, you want to keep the texture nice. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it steam. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Stir it gently until warmed through. To refresh the flavor, add a little extra Parmesan when you reheat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also bring back some brightness. If you have fresh parsley, chop some and sprinkle it on top before serving. This adds a nice touch! Can I make Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti ahead of time? Yes, you can make Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti ahead. Cook the spaghetti and mix it with the garlic butter. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of pasta water to keep it moist. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? This recipe is already vegetarian! Just use vegetable broth instead of butter if you want a vegan version. You can also skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese. What can I serve with Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti? Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti pairs well with many dishes. Serve it with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or garlic bread. You can also add protein like chicken or shrimp. Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti? You can freeze it, but the texture may change. It’s best to freeze the spaghetti without the sauce. Use an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. What's the best type of Parmesan cheese to use? Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the best choice. It has a rich flavor and melts well. Avoid the pre-grated kind, as it often contains fillers. Look for Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best taste. Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti uses simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and cheese. You cook the spaghetti, sauté garlic in butter, and mix everything for great flavor. Remember to adjust spice and seasonings to your taste. In the end, this dish is easy, quick, and fun to make. Don’t be afraid to try variations or add your favorite proteins. Enjoy your meal and impress friends with this simple, tasty recipe!

Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

A delicious and easy spaghetti dish with garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pasta water
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  • Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the heat to develop.
  • Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta in the garlic butter mixture.
  • Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while tossing the spaghetti. If the mixture is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you're using lemon zest, sprinkle it in now for added brightness.
  • Remove from heat and fold in the fresh chopped parsley. Toss everything together until well combined.

Notes

Serve in warm bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley. Add a lemon wedge on the side for freshness!
Keyword garlic, Parmesan, pasta, spaghetti