Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is creamy, garlicky, and loaded with cheesy goodness—everything I want in a quick and comforting pasta dish. It’s rich, indulgent, and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when I want something satisfying without too much effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and flavorful this dish is. With just a few everyday ingredients, I can whip up a cheesy pasta that tastes like pure comfort. The combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, and sautéed garlic creates a silky, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti. It’s easy to customize, easy to love, and hard to stop eating.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz spaghetti

• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Directions

1. Cook the Spaghetti

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
I cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes), then drain and reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water.

2. Make the Garlic Sauce

In a large skillet, I heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
I add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden—being careful not to let it burn.

3. Add Cheese and Pasta Water

I reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
As the cheese melts, I gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, stirring to create a smooth and creamy sauce. I add more or less depending on how thick I want the sauce to be.

4. Combine with Pasta

I add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it well in the sauce, making sure every strand is coated.
I season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

5. Serve

I plate the pasta and top it with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I stir in cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce. I’ve also added sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or grilled chicken for a more filling meal. If I want a spicy kick, I sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. It’s also delicious baked with breadcrumbs on top for a golden crust.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, I’ve made this with linguine, penne, and fettuccine. Any pasta that holds sauce well will work.

What if I don’t have mozzarella?

I’ve swapped in provolone, fontina, or even cream cheese. As long as it melts well, it will work.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, as long as the cheeses used are vegetarian-friendly (some Parmesan contains animal rennet, so I check the label if needed).

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I prefer it fresh, but it reheats well. I just add a bit of liquid to keep the sauce smooth.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

I cook it on medium to low heat and watch it closely—once it’s golden and fragrant, I move on to the next step.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is the kind of dish I crave when I want something simple, rich, and full of flavor. It’s easy to throw together and feels like a comforting indulgence every time I make it. Whether I serve it as a main dish or a side, it always brings that perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness.