Name: Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Get ready to experience a plate of pure comfort with Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti — a dish that’s equal parts creamy, crave-worthy, and wonderfully uncomplicated. Think of tender spaghetti enveloped in a velvety garlic-infused cheese sauce, finished off with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of herbs. Every bite is rich but never heavy, making it the kind of meal you’ll want to make on busy evenings or share with friends for a low-key dinner party. If you love all things cheesy, garlicky, and deeply satisfying, this recipe is destined to be a new favorite in your pasta rotation!

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti lies in just how straightforward — and yet perfectly balanced — its ingredients are. Every component brings something distinctive, whether it’s depth, silkiness, or that irresistible cheesy pull.

Spaghetti: Classic long pasta strands are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic is key for that punchy, aromatic base; don’t use pre-minced for the fullest flavor.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated, plus extra): Salty, nutty Parmesan offers the backbone of cheesy flavor and thickens the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): This adds that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess and irresistible cheese pull when you twirl your fork.
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Butter provides a luxurious base and helps mellow the garlic.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Just a bit of olive oil adds richness, bringing the sauce together smoothly.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Customize the seasoning so each bite is perfectly balanced.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Parsley adds a fresh hit of color and brightness to the finished dish.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a brisk boil. Generously salt the water (it should taste like the sea!) before adding your spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente, usually around 8–10 minutes. Before draining, be sure to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water — this comes in handy later. Then, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

While the spaghetti cooks, heat up the unsalted butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once everything is gently sizzling, toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes. The goal is golden, fragrant garlic (not burnt), so keep a close eye — this step sets the foundation for the signature Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti flavor.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Pasta Water

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses right into the garlicky butter. Slow and steady is the name of the game here — as the cheese melts, drizzle in some of the reserved pasta water. Stir continuously, adding just enough water to create a silky, pourable sauce that clings invitingly to the pasta.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

With your sauce bubbling gently, add the drained spaghetti straight into the skillet. Use tongs or a big fork to toss everything together, ensuring every strand gets coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed — the flavors should really pop now!

Step 5: Serve

Plate generous twirls of Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti while it’s piping hot. Shower on fresh chopped parsley and a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a burst of color and a touch of extra salty richness. Serve immediately and dig in while the cheese is still perfectly melty!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

Garnishes

A classic finish for Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped parsley. Want to take it up a notch? A pinch of cracked black pepper or even a few chili flakes adds flair and a little kick. If you have it, lemon zest or a drizzle of good olive oil also make lovely finishing touches.

Side Dishes

Pair your spaghetti with simple, fresh sides to keep the meal balanced. Crisp green salads dressed lightly with vinaigrette or roasted veggies (think asparagus, broccoli, or tomatoes) are always winners. You can’t go wrong with warm garlic bread or a rustic baguette for sopping up any extra sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti into a showstopper by serving it in a big family-style bowl, letting everyone help themselves. For date nights or dinner parties, try twirling individual portions into nest shapes on plates and topping each with a poached egg, grilled shrimp, or crispy chicken cutlets for a little extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti stores beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Once completely cooled, place the pasta in an airtight container to keep the sauce from drying out. For best results, try to store the sauce and pasta together, not separately.

Freezing

While fresh is always best for creamy pastas, you can freeze Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti if needed. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. The sauce may become a bit grainy after thawing due to the cheese, but it will still taste delicious. Plan to enjoy within one month.

Reheating

To reheat, place your portion in a skillet or saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Warm gently, stirring often, until everything is creamy and hot. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too — just cover the pasta and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep things nice and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While classic spaghetti is signature for Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti, you can substitute linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne. The key is to pick a shape that holds onto creamy sauces well.

What can I add for extra protein?

This dish welcomes add-ins like shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon. For a vegetarian upgrade, toss in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas along with the pasta.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

If you’d like to make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti a tad lighter, try using part-skim mozzarella or reducing the butter and cheese, though the final result will be less rich. Add extra veggies for more bulk and brightness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Double-check labels on your cheeses and butter to be sure they’re gluten-free, and prepare as usual.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté the garlic only until it’s fragrant and golden — about 1–2 minutes on medium heat. Stir constantly, and as soon as the scent hits your nose, move on to the next step. Burnt garlic can turn the whole dish bitter, so it’s worth the attention!

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about a bowlful of Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti — quick to make, endlessly comforting, and always a hit at the table. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover just how easy homemade cheesy pasta can be. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti that is sure to be a family favorite. This dish features perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in a creamy garlic sauce with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

8 oz spaghetti

Garlic Sauce:

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

Instructions

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, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
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. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add cheese and pasta water: Lower the heat, then add the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses melt and combine into a creamy sauce. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, stirring to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the cheesy garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian