Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti (Printable Version)

Creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti, rich and quick to make.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the spaghetti

01 - 300 g spaghetti
02 - Salt, for boiling water

→ For the sauce

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 120 ml heavy cream
06 - 115 g cream cheese, softened and cubed
07 - 75 g grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
04 - Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
05 - Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - Transfer the spaghetti to serving plates or a large bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
02 - Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
03 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.