Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple and absolutely delicious, you’ve got to try my 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta! Seriously, it’s amazing what you can whip up with just five ingredients. This pasta is all about celebrating the flavors of garlic and parmesan, and trust me, it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners. I remember the first time I made it—my kitchen smelled heavenly, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s the perfect comfort food that feels fancy without all the fuss. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, so let’s make sure we get the measurements just right!
- 8 oz spaghetti: This is the base of your dish, and you can use any pasta you love!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a beautiful aroma and flavor, so don’t skimp on this!
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that brings everything together with its creamy richness.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: This adds a luscious texture and helps the garlic sauté perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all those delightful flavors!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re just moments away from a delightful meal!
How to Prepare 5 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Now, let’s dive into making this fantastic 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be enjoying it in no time.
- Cook the spaghetti: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
- Sauté the garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic isn’t tasty!
- Combine everything: Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving a bit of the pasta water (about 1/4 cup) in case you need to loosen the sauce later. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pan with the garlic oil.
- Add the parmesan: Toss everything together, adding in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Mix well so the cheese melts beautifully and coats the pasta. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Season: Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another toss, and voilà—you’re ready to serve!
Doesn’t that sound simple? Enjoy your delicious creation hot and fresh!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have this dish ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Minimal Ingredients: Using only five ingredients means less fuss and more flavor. It’s all about quality over quantity!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a rich, savory taste that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Healthy Option: With wholesome ingredients like olive oil and fresh garlic, this pasta is a lighter choice without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile Dish: You can easily customize it with your favorite herbs or veggies, making it adaptable to your preferences!
Tips for Success
To make your 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta absolutely perfect, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours! First, if you love garlic like I do, feel free to add an extra clove or two—it’ll amp up that amazing flavor. Also, if you don’t have parmesan on hand, pecorino romano or nutritional yeast can work beautifully as substitutes while keeping that cheesy essence. And remember, you can always toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic twist. Lastly, serve it right away for the best texture and flavor—trust me, it’s worth it!
Variations
If you want to switch things up with your 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta, the options are endless! For a burst of freshness, try adding some sautéed spinach or kale right at the end—both add color and nutrition. You could also toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness and a beautiful presentation. Feel like a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick! And if you’re a fan of herbs, sprinkle in some fresh basil or parsley for a fragrant finish. Experiment away and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of my 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. Each serving packs about 400 calories, with 20g of fat (of which 3g is saturated fat), 12g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 2g of fiber and 150mg of sodium. It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down, perfect for a light yet fulfilling dinner!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of your delightful 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple! Just pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even warming. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to bring back that luscious texture. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first serving!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While I love spaghetti for this recipe, feel free to swap in any pasta you enjoy, like fettuccine or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic? No worries! You can use garlic powder instead, but I recommend using about 1/2 teaspoon. Fresh garlic really brings that amazing flavor, though, so try to use it if you can!
Can I make this in advance? This dish is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, just store them in an airtight container as mentioned before. Reheat gently to maintain the texture.
Is this dish vegetarian? Yes, my 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta is completely vegetarian! It’s a great option for meatless meals.
How can I add protein to this dish? If you’d like to boost the protein, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a hearty twist. Just toss them in when you combine the pasta with the garlic and parmesan!
Learn more about creamy garlic parmesan pasta for additional inspiration!
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5 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Pasta That Will Delight You
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious garlic parmesan pasta made with just five ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the pan.
- Toss with garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust garlic to your taste.
- Add herbs for extra flavor.
- Best served immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: 5 ingredient garlic parmesan pasta
