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Dinner is even easier with this Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Serve this as the perfect side dish or add chicken or shrimp to make it a main meal. It is so easy and delicious.

Spaghetti mixed in a creamy sauce on a plate with a side of bread
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My family loves pasta as a side dish and I love it because it is easy and cheap. This Parmesan Pasta side dish is easy to make but tastes fancy.

I know that you might think I am crazy, but eating good doesn’t have to be a lot of work at all. In fact, eating good normally means you just have to eat simple.

Now I like to serve this side dish when we are grilling out. We will grill our chicken and our vegetables on the grill and add this easy side dish to complete the meal.

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Recipe

This pasta dish is easy and delicious and one of our favorite pasta dishes. You will not believe just how simple it is. With only 4 ingredients, it is quick and easy.

We love Garlic Bread Cheese Sticks Recipe and it is perfect with this pasta recipe.  You can also add  Roasted Green Beans or learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave for an easy veggie to toss into the pasta.

It really is fabulous and so yummy. Let us know if you try it and it turns out for you. With only 4 ingredients, it is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Ingredients - Spaghetti Noodles, butter, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese
  • Spaghetti Noodles – Try using other type of pasta such as bow tie, fettuccine, linguine, elbow or shells. You can also make this with gluten free pasta.
  • Butter – Make this with Unsalted Butter
  • Minced Garlic Cloves – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves. You can also use garlic powder

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

Creamy garlic parmesan pasta can be made with a variety of additions for even more flavor.

  • Chopped Fresh Parsley
  • Fresh Spinach
  • Favorite Veggies

How to Make this Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Spaghetti Noodles in a large pot of water with small bowls of butter, parmesan cheese, garlic and pepper on the side

Step 1 – Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add in the pasta and cook until the pasta is al dente based on the package instructions.

Pasta water in a measuring cup

Step 2 – Once cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.

Melted butter in a large pot with a bowl of pasta on the side and small bowls of salt, pepper, and minced garlic

Step 3 – In the same large pot, melt the butter over low heat. 

Melted butter in a large pot with minced garlic with a bowl of pasta and seasoning on the side

Step 4 – Add in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. 

Tossing the pasta in a large pot with tongs

Step 5 – Then add in the drained pasta, reserved pasta water and milk. Toss to thoroughly coat the pasta with the butter.

Topping the pasta with shredded parmesan cheese

Step 6 – Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese gradually. Toss to coat the mixture and melt the parmesan sauce. Season with the salt and pepper. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

  • Cooking Pasta – Cook the pasta according to the package. For the best texture make sure to not overcook the pasta.
  • Combining Ingredients – Toss the pasta with the parmesan cheese and seasoning for the best flavor.
Creamy garlic parmesan pasta in a bowl

Serving Suggestions

These are just a few ideas. The options are endless and this pasta goes nicely with just about anything. It is a frugal and easy recipe that everyone will love.

You can serve it as a side dish or mix the meat and veggies in with the parmesan pasta. Just do what your family likes. You can’t go wrong with this amazing and easy recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Dish Low Carb?

You can use the same Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Recipe if you are looking for something a little lower in carbs and just add the parmesan cheese and butter instead of the pasta. The ideas are endless for this easy and delicious parmesan pasta.

How to Store Leftover Pasta

Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

How to Reheat Leftovers

Reheat the leftovers in the microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through.

Creamy garlic parmesan pasta on a plate with a bite on a fork

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Review Pin Print

Garlic Parmesan Pasta

5 from 6 votes
Dinner is easy with this One pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Serve this as the perfect side dish or add chicken or shrimp to make it a main meal!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine Italian
Course Side Dish
Calories 325
Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add in the pasta and cook until the pasta is al dente based on the package instructions.
  • Once cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
  • In the same large pot, melt the butter over low heat. 
  • Add in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. 
  • Then add in the drained pasta, reserved pasta water and milk. Toss to thoroughly coat the pasta with the butter.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese gradually. Toss to coat and melt the cheese. 
  • Season with the salt and pepper. 
  • Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

This recipe is best with freshly grated, good quality parmesan cheese. 
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories 325kcal, Carbohydrates 45g, Protein 12g, Fat 11g, Saturated Fat 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0.2g, Cholesterol 28mg, Sodium 564mg, Potassium 180mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 2g, Vitamin A 311IU, Vitamin C 0.3mg, Calcium 145mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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5 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Donna says:

    What would I change to make a smaller batch?

  2. Carrie Barnard says:

    It can be made with leftover pasta or you can cook the pasta to be used in this recipe. Thanks!

  3. Stephanie Reid says:

    This recipe is made with leftover, cooked pasta, right?

  4. Gloria Mendoza says:

    5 stars
    Delicious. Was a big hit so my family and so easy to make.

  5. Gloria Mendoza says:

    5 stars
    Delicious. Big hit and so easy to make.

  6. Bambi Denny says:

    I’ve made this in my Ninja Foodie pressure cooker and my 6 year old LOVED it! He’s super picky and doesn’t usually eat his pasta with sauce. He usually requests “butter and Parmesan noodles ?. This was perfect for him

  7. Carrie says:

    So sorry for the confusion! The basic recipe does not include garlic but you can add garlic if you prefer for a different flavor. Thank you and I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy side dish recipe!

  8. Carrie says:

    Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!

  9. Long says:

    I love super easy dishes such as this. When I get home from work, I’m usually exhausted and not really wanting to throw together an elborate meal — this would be perfect to throw together because it’s flavorful and delicious

  10. Mary says:

    Where it says how to make it is called GARLIC PARMASEAN PASTA but no garlic is called for in ingredients