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Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe

4.3 from 74 reviews

This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti

  • 8 oz spaghetti

Garlic Sauce

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
  2. Prepare the garlic sauce: In a large skillet, heat unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown, making sure not to let the garlic burn.
  3. Add cheese and pasta water: Reduce the heat to low, then add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and form a creamy sauce. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, mixing to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the cheesy garlic sauce. Toss well to thoroughly coat the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Divide the pasta onto plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing as it can taste bitter.
  • The reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and bind it to the spaghetti for a silky texture.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
  • This dish is best served fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or pasta water.

Keywords: Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti, creamy pasta recipe, garlic pasta, easy Italian dinner, cheesy spaghetti