Let me tell you, this 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta is one of my go-to dishes when I need something quick, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying! With just five simple ingredients, it comes together in a flash—perfect for those busy weeknights or when you just want a cozy bowl of comfort. I love how the garlic infuses the olive oil, creating a fragrant base that pairs perfectly with the salty, nutty parmesan. Trust me, you won’t believe how something so simple can taste so incredible. It’s like a warm hug in pasta form, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz pasta (any type you prefer, like spaghetti or penne)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better, in my opinion!)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated is ideal for maximum flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for that rich taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare 5 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Making this 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta is as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Cooking the Pasta
First up, let’s get that pasta boiling! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in your 8 oz of pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too mushy! You want it al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once it’s done, reserve about a cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest in a colander.
Sautéing the Garlic
Now, while your pasta is cooking, let’s get that garlic sizzling! In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add in the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Here’s a little tip: you want to sauté it just until it’s fragrant—about 30 seconds—so keep stirring and don’t let it brown! Burnt garlic can taste bitter, and we definitely don’t want that!
Combining Ingredients
Next, it’s time to bring it all together! Carefully add the drained pasta to the pan with the garlic and olive oil. Toss it around to combine, and if it looks a little dry, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Now sprinkle in that delicious 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything until the pasta is well coated and you can see that beautiful cheesy goodness melting in. Serve it hot, and get ready for some happy taste buds!
Tips for Success
To make your 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta truly shine, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of garlic based on your taste. If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two for that robust flavor! Also, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving. It adds a lovely freshness that complements the richness of the parmesan.
If you want to elevate your dish even more, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Oops! Just remember to go easy on those extras—this dish is all about simplicity. And finally, serving it right away is key! This pasta is best enjoyed fresh off the stove while it’s still warm and cheesy. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your dish from good to absolutely fantastic!
Nutritional Information
Wondering what you’re putting into your body? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my delicious 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 12g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, as they can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and their quantities. But hey, knowing you’re indulging in a tasty vegetarian dish with a good balance of carbs and protein makes it even more satisfying, right? Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Only five simple ingredients, making it easy to whip up any night of the week.
- Rich, garlicky flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so it’s perfect for everyone at the table.
- Customizable—add your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own.
- Comfort food at its finest—this pasta warms you from the inside out.
- Minimal cleanup since it’s a one-pan dish!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! One of my favorite things about this 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta is its versatility. You can use any type of pasta you have on hand—spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat or gluten-free options. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes can vary a bit! The key is to cook it al dente for that perfect bite.
How can I store leftovers?
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), just let the pasta cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a bit more olive oil to help loosen it up. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out. Trust me, leftovers taste just as great!
Can I add other ingredients?
Oh, for sure! This recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to get creative. You could toss in some sautéed veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for a pop of color and extra nutrients. If you’re in the mood for protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would work wonderfully! Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly for any additional ingredients you choose to add. The possibilities are endless, and it’s such a fun way to make the dish your own!
Equipment List
- A large pot for boiling the pasta (make sure it’s big enough to hold plenty of water!)
- A colander for draining the pasta (you’ll want to get all that water out!)
- A large sauté pan for cooking the garlic and combining everything (I love a non-stick one for easy cleanup!)
- A wooden spoon or spatula for tossing and mixing (get ready to stir it up!)
- A measuring cup for the olive oil and parmesan (accuracy is key for the perfect flavor!)
- A knife and cutting board for mincing that fresh garlic (a must for all the garlicky goodness!)
With just these simple tools, you’ll be ready to whip up your delicious 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta in no time! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
If you’re looking to elevate your meal with some delightful sides or complementary dishes to go with your 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you! Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on these tasty pairings.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s the perfect vehicle for soaking up any leftover garlic and olive oil from your pasta plate!
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad adds a nice crunch and tangy flavor, which balances beautifully with the rich, cheesy pasta. Plus, the crisp romaine is always a hit!
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus in olive oil and roast them until tender. The caramelized flavors will complement the garlic parmesan perfectly!
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: If you’re in the mood for protein, grilled chicken or shrimp seasoned with lemon and herbs would make a lovely addition. It turns your pasta into a hearty meal!
- Caprese Salad: A simple caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze brings a refreshing touch to your plate.
These sides not only enhance the meal experience but also add a variety of textures and flavors to complement your delicious pasta dish. So, pick one or two, and enjoy a lovely dinner that’s sure to impress!
Imprimer
5 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Pasta: A Cozy Comfort Dish
- Temps Total: 20 minutes
- Rendement: 2 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and quick pasta dish featuring garlic and parmesan.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the pan.
- Toss with garlic and olive oil.
- Add parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and serve hot.
Notes
- Use any pasta of your choice.
- Adjust garlic amount based on preference.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like parsley.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 55g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 12g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta