Print

Quick Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad

Quick Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fast, comforting side dish made by tossing hot penne pasta with a rich, emulsified sauce of heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) dry penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (100g) grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt, for boiling water and seasoning
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional
  • Reserved pasta cooking water

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
  3. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Add minced garlic to the butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the cooking water.
  8. Add the hot pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and toss vigorously to coat evenly.
  9. Add black pepper and red pepper flakes if using. If the sauce is too thick, add splashes of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  10. Serve warm or let cool to room temperature for a salad texture.

Notes

Do not rinse the pasta after draining, as the starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If the sauce becomes too thick, use reserved starchy pasta water to thin it. For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy garlic parmesan, quick dinner, side dish, comfort food, easy recipe, weeknight meals

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/quick-creamy-garlic-parmesan-pasta-salad-5-step-side-dish/