Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute go-to for those crazy busy weeknights when time just seems to slip away! This 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta is not only ridiculously simple, but it’s also packed with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance! I stumbled upon this gem during one of those chaotic evenings when I had nothing planned, and I was just trying to scavenge together a meal. I was blown away by how just five humble ingredients could create something so delicious. Now, it’s a family favorite that I whip up in a flash, and I love how everyone gathers around the table, eager for their bowls of creamy, garlicky goodness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
You’ll need just five simple ingredients to whip up this amazing pasta dish. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking. Trust me, it makes the whole process so much smoother and faster!
How to Prepare 5 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into how to make this dreamy 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta! It’s super straightforward, but I’ll break it down step-by-step so you can get it just right. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
First things first, you’ll want to cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Usually, that means boiling a big pot of salted water and tossing in the pasta. I like to aim for al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. To do this, start checking for doneness about a minute before the package says it’s ready. That way, you won’t end up with mushy noodles!
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While your pasta is cooking, grab a pan and melt the butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, because you don’t want to burn the garlic later! Once the butter is melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant. Oh man, the smell will be heavenly! Just be careful not to let it get too brown; you want that lovely garlic flavor, not a bitter one.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
When your spaghetti is done, drain it (don’t rinse!) and add it directly to the pan with the garlic butter. Give it a good toss so that every noodle is coated in that buttery, garlicky goodness. Now, sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and mix until it’s all melted and combined. This is the stage where you’ll want to season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—taste as you go to make sure it’s just right!
Step 4: Serve
Now for the best part: serving it up! Dish out the pasta while it’s hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, you can add a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top or even some fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This simple touch can really elevate the whole dish! Trust me, everyone will be digging in for seconds!
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta, here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by! First off, always use fresh ingredients whenever possible—especially the garlic and parmesan. Fresh garlic packs a punch of flavor, and freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the pasta!
If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to adjust the quantity to your taste. I sometimes add an extra clove or two because, honestly, who can resist that garlicky aroma? Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with the seasoning. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, while fresh herbs—like basil or parsley—can brighten up the dish and give it a pop of color.
Lastly, remember that pasta water is your friend! If your pasta seems a bit dry after mixing, add a splash of the starchy pasta cooking water to help loosen it up and create a luscious sauce. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your dish from good to truly fabulous!
Variations
One of the best things about this 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta is how easily it can be tweaked to fit your taste or what you have on hand! Here are some fun variations to spark your creativity:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition. Just add them to the pan when you’re cooking the garlic!
- Protein Boost: Want to make it heartier? Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon. Just mix it in with the pasta and garlic butter for a satisfying meal.
- Herb Infusion: Swap out the garlic for fresh herbs. Try basil, oregano, or thyme for a different flavor profile—perfect for those herb garden enthusiasts!
- Creamy Twist: For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese along with the parmesan. It’ll make your pasta extra luscious!
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the parmesan. It gives a delightful kick!
Don’t be afraid to play around with flavors! The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, so adding your favorite ingredients can make it feel brand new every time you make it. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, I want to share a quick note about the nutritional information for this 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta. Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these aren’t set in stone. However, you can generally expect something like this per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: About 15g
- Protein: Roughly 12g
- Carbohydrates: Around 45g
It’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight, but if you’re keeping an eye on your macros, you can always adjust the ingredients to better fit your dietary needs. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
I’ve gotten a few common questions about this 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta, so I thought I’d address them here. Hopefully, this will help you make the most of this delightful dish!
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the pasta and prepare the garlic butter ahead of time. Just keep everything separate until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to eat, simply reheat the garlic butter, toss in the pasta, and add the parmesan. It’s a great way to save time on busy weeknights!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool it down before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to help bring back some of that sauciness!
Can I substitute the spaghetti for another type of pasta?
For sure! Feel free to swap the spaghetti for any pasta shape you love—linguine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta works great, too. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?
No problem! If you don’t have parmesan on hand, you can use any hard cheese like pecorino or asiago. They’ll give you a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious! Just make sure it’s grated for easy melting.
Can I add more garlic?
Oh, definitely! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more cloves. Just keep in mind that too much can overpower the dish, so maybe start with one extra and see how you like it. Garlic is all about personal preference!
What vegetables can I add?
Great question! You can add a variety of veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just sauté them in the butter with the garlic until they’re tender before adding the pasta. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrition!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Sure! You can try using a dairy-free butter alternative and nutritional yeast in place of the parmesan for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be tasty!
Feel free to reach out with any other questions or let me know how your pasta turns out. I love hearing from fellow home cooks! Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Only five ingredients make it simple and budget-friendly.
- Rich, garlicky flavor that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in a flash.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins like veggies or proteins.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Minimal cleanup—just one pot and a pan to wash!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste amazing the next day!
- Impressive enough for guests but straightforward enough for everyday cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta, and now you have some leftovers—lucky you! To keep your pasta tasting fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about 3 days. Just let it cool down a bit before sealing it up to avoid any condensation that could make it soggy.
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is a breeze! You can gently warm it up in a pan over medium heat. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to bring back that luscious sauce. Stir it around until it’s heated through and oh-so-saucy again! Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with dried-out pasta.
And there you have it! Enjoy those leftovers just as much as the first time around. Happy eating!
Print
5 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Quick & Delicious Bliss
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and quick garlic parmesan pasta recipe with just five ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Toss cooked spaghetti in the garlic butter.
- Add parmesan cheese and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh parmesan for best flavor.
- Add herbs for extra taste.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta
