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- 12 oz spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Extra Parmesan - Additional Fresh Parsley To make garlic Parmesan spaghetti, you need simple ingredients. Each one adds to the rich taste. 1. Spaghetti is the base. Choose a good quality brand. It cooks well and holds sauce nicely. 2. Butter brings a creamy, rich flavor. Use unsalted butter to control the salt. 3. Garlic is the star. Freshly minced garlic has the best taste. 4. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick. Adjust the amount for your spice level. 5. Parmesan cheese must be freshly grated. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as well. 6. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Chop it finely for even distribution. 7. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Use them to taste. 8. Lemon zest brightens the dish. It adds a fresh and zesty note. For garnishing, I suggest using more Parmesan and parsley. These extras make the dish look great and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_1}} How to Cook Spaghetti to Al Dente To cook spaghetti perfectly, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water. Use a good amount; it should taste like the sea. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be firm to the bite, or “al dente.” This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Test a strand a minute or two before the time is up. Tips for Salting the Water Salting the water is key. It adds flavor to the pasta. If you forget, your pasta can taste bland. A rough rule is one tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. Make sure the salt dissolves before adding the spaghetti. Melting Butter and Sautéing Garlic In the same pot after draining the spaghetti, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes. You want it fragrant, not browned. Browning can make garlic taste bitter. Infusing Flavors with Red Pepper Flakes Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick! Cook it for another 30 seconds. This step helps the butter soak up all those spicy flavors. Adjust the amount to your taste if you like it milder or hotter. Tossing Spaghetti in Sauce Now, reduce the heat to low and add the drained spaghetti back into the pot. Toss the pasta in the garlic butter sauce. Make sure every strand is coated well. The butter and garlic should cling to the noodles. Adjusting Sauce Consistency with Pasta Water If the sauce feels too thick, use the reserved pasta water. Add a little at a time until you reach the right consistency. This water is starchy and helps the sauce stick to the pasta. It creates a creamy texture that you will love! Best Practices for Sautéing Garlic To get the best flavor, always use fresh garlic. Mince the garlic finely for a stronger taste. Sauté it in butter over medium heat. Stir it for 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning. Golden color is perfect, but brown can taste bitter. How to Adjust Spice Level Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Start with one teaspoon if you like mild heat. For more spice, add more flakes as you cook. Taste as you go to find your perfect level. Techniques for Incorporating Cheese Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting. Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese. Stir it in slowly until it melts. This helps create a creamy texture without clumping. Using Reserved Pasta Water Effectively Reserve about one cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps thicken the sauce. Add it little by little to reach your desired creaminess. It makes the sauce cling better to the spaghetti. Plating for Visual Appeal Use a large bowl to serve the spaghetti. Twirl the pasta for a nice shape. This creates height and makes it look fancy. Garnishing Ideas for a Restaurant-Style Finish Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top. Add a little lemon zest for brightness. This not only adds color but also enhances flavor. A few red pepper flakes on top can add a pop of color too. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best results. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It’s starchy and helps to create a creamier sauce when mixed with cheese. Adjust Spice Level: The red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more if desired for a kick. Garnish Wisely: Adding extra Parmesan and parsley as a garnish not only enhances presentation but also adds a burst of fresh flavor with each bite. {{image_2}} You can easily make Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti your own. Adding vegetables can bring fresh flavors and colors. Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes work great. Just toss them into the pot with the pasta. They will blend in well with the sauce. If you want more protein, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Both options add a nice touch and make the meal heartier. Cook them separately first, then mix them in just before serving. For those who need gluten-free meals, you can use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Cook it the same way as regular spaghetti for the best results. If you prefer a vegan option, switch the cheese and butter. Use a plant-based butter and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the dish rich and tasty without animal products. To boost the flavor, try adding different herbs. Basil and thyme can add a fresh taste. Just sprinkle them in when you mix the pasta with the sauce. You can also use different cheeses. Pecorino Romano and Asiago are great alternatives to Parmesan. They provide a unique taste while still keeping the dish creamy and delicious. To keep your leftover Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps to prevent bacteria growth. Properly stored, it can last for about three to four days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a bit. Reheating Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti can be simple. The best method is to use a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. This method helps the pasta stay creamy. You can also use the microwave; just cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This way, it warms evenly and doesn’t dry out. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the spaghetti cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the tips above for the best taste. Yes, you can make Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti ahead of time. To store it, let the pasta cool fully. Place it in an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it gently. You can use a microwave or a pan on low heat. Add a splash of water to help bring back the sauce. This keeps the pasta from drying out. If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try these options: - Pecorino Romano: It has a similar flavor but is saltier. - Nutritional yeast: This is great for a vegan option. It adds a cheesy taste without dairy. - Grana Padano: It is milder and less expensive than Parmesan. For a dairy-free dish, use vegan cheeses. Look for ones that melt well for the best results. To add spice to Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti, try these tips: - Increase red pepper flakes: Add more flakes than the recipe calls for. Start with one extra teaspoon. - Use fresh chili peppers: Chop small amounts of fresh chili and add them to the garlic when sautéing. - Add hot sauce: A few drops of your favorite hot sauce can add a nice kick. Adjust the heat to your liking, and enjoy a spicy twist on this dish! In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and steps to create Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti. We detailed how to cook spaghetti perfectly and make a rich garlic butter sauce. You learned helpful tips for enhancing flavor and presenting your dish warmly. Don't forget about variations and storage tips to customize your meals. Now, it's your turn to try this simple yet delightful recipe. Enjoy every tasty bite, and keep experimenting with flavors to make it uniquely yours!

Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

A delicious and creamy spaghetti dish infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 zest of lemon
  • optional Extra Parmesan for garnish
  • optional Extra parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. 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 another 30 seconds to infuse the butter with heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the drained spaghetti to the pot. Toss the pasta in the garlic butter sauce until well coated. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon zest. Mix until the cheese has melted and formed a creamy sauce.
  • Taste the spaghetti and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  • Divide the spaghetti into serving bowls, sprinkling extra Parmesan and parsley over the top for garnish.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat.
Keyword easy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta, spaghetti