Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti: Creamy Italian Pasta Recipe (+ More)

This Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti features browned butter and garlic folded into a thick, creamy Parmesan sauce for a flavorful pasta dinner you’ll want to lick the plate clean.

This Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti has browned butter and garlic in its thick and creamy parmesan sauce, for a super flavorful pasta dinner that will have you licking the plate clean.

For National Pasta Day I decided to make a homemade sauce instead of reaching for a jar. This garlic Parmesan sauce comes together quickly and tastes far better than anything from a jar: rich, garlicky, and cheesy with a nutty depth from browned butter.

I browned the butter and gently cooked minced garlic to build bold, concentrated flavors. The result is a creamy white sauce rich with Parmesan and garlic — one of the most satisfying simple sauces I’ve made at home.

I prefer white sauces to red — cream and cheese are irresistible. This garlic Parmesan spaghetti is indulgent and comforting, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

It’s quick to prepare, so stop for a few ingredients and make this tonight — you won’t regret it.

5 from 4 ratings

Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

Created by
Amber Brady

Prep:
10 mins

Cook:
10 mins

Total:
20 mins

This Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti has browned butter and garlic in its thick and creamy parmesan sauce, for a super flavorful pasta dinner that will have you licking the plate clean.

4 servings

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti
4 Tbsp butter
1 ½ Tbsp minced garlic (about 7-8 cloves)
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups (1 pint) half & half (or milk)
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper, to taste
parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Bring salted water to a boil in a 3-quart pot. Add spaghetti and cook about 7–8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until the butter and garlic just begin to brown.
Stir in the flour and cook 1–2 minutes until the mixture smells nutty. Slowly whisk in the half & half, stirring constantly until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens.
Stir in the Parmesan until melted, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and gently toss until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

*The sauce is thick. To thin it, reserve some pasta water or add a splash of milk.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

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