How to Make Garlic & Herbs Pasta with Parmesan Cheese

If you’re a pasta lover, then this Garlic & Herbs Pasta with Parmesan Cheese will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals. This simple yet flavorful recipe is ideal for a busy weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even a romantic meal for two. With fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this vegetarian pasta is rich in flavor and incredibly easy to prepare.

Let’s dive into this delicious, vegetarian-friendly pasta recipe that is bound to impress your taste buds and become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

The Perfect Garlic & Herbs Pasta with Parmesan Cheese: A Quick Overview

This recipe serves 2-3 people, making it an ideal option for a small family meal or a cozy dinner for you and a friend. The ingredients are simple, and the preparation is straightforward, making it a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone looking to enjoy a hearty dish in no time.

Ingredients Required:

• 200 grams of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred type)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic works best)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

• Fresh parsley (a small handful, chopped, for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a zesty twist)

This simple list of ingredients ensures that you’ll create a delicious, flavorful pasta without any complicated components. Even with minimal ingredients, the combination of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese packs a punch.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of Garlic & Herbs Pasta lies in the depth of flavors that come from just a few basic ingredients. Garlic provides a bold, aromatic base that complements the earthy, slightly sweet notes of oregano and basil. Meanwhile, the Parmesan cheese adds a sharp and nutty undertone that elevates the entire dish. You can serve this recipe as a main or as a side dish, and it pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a crispy piece of garlic bread.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Garlic & Herbs Pasta with Parmesan Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook according to the instructions on the package. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes for most types of pasta.

Tip: Always salt the water generously! This helps the pasta absorb some of the flavor from the salt, making it even more delicious.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, but make sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help create a smooth, creamy sauce later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic & Herbs

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Once the garlic starts to soften and becomes fragrant, add the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir everything together, letting the herbs release their oils into the oil and garlic mixture. This will create a fragrant, herb-infused base for your pasta.

Step 3: Toss the Pasta in the Garlic & Herb Mixture

Now that the garlic and herbs are ready, it’s time to combine them with the cooked pasta. Add the drained pasta to the pan with the garlic and herb mixture. Gently toss the pasta to ensure each strand is coated with the aromatic olive oil and herbs.

If the mixture looks a little too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to help loosen things up and create a silky texture. The starchy water works wonders to bind the sauce together, creating a smooth coating on the pasta.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the pasta is well-coated in the garlic and herb mixture, it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the Parmesan generously over the pasta and toss everything together until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce.

If you’d like a little extra brightness, squeeze a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the pasta for a zesty kick. This will add a refreshing note that balances the richness of the cheese.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta. Not only does the parsley add a burst of color, but it also brings a fresh, slightly peppery note that complements the dish perfectly.

Serve the pasta in bowls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired. A light drizzle of olive oil on top will add extra richness and flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Garlic & Herb Pasta with Parmesan Cheese

• Pasta Choice: While this recipe can be made with any pasta, fettuccine or spaghetti works best because they hold the sauce beautifully. You can even try whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.

• Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried herbs. If using fresh herbs, use about three times the amount of dried herbs (e.g., 1 tablespoon of fresh basil instead of 1 teaspoon of dried).

• Parmesan Cheese: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan over pre-grated versions. The flavor and texture are far superior, and it melts much better into the pasta.

• Make It Spicy: For those who enjoy a little heat, the red pepper flakes will add a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to suit your preference.

Image : Garlic & Herbs Pasta with Parmesan Cheese (for spicy taste lovers)

• Add a Twist: Feel free to add vegetables like roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach to the pasta for an extra pop of flavor and nutrition.

Why This Garlic & Herb Pasta is Perfect for Everyone

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this garlic and herb pasta is a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to make, vegetarian-friendly, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s the perfect way to get your daily dose of herbs and olive oil, both of which are known for their health benefits.

This recipe is ideal for those who are looking for easy-to-make, vegetarian meal ideas. It’s a fantastic option for lunch, dinner, or even a light snack. And with the option to add different vegetables, the dish can be customized to suit various tastes.

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear how your Garlic & Herbs Pasta with Parmesan Cheese turns out! Feel free to share your thoughts, ask questions, or share your variations of the recipe in the comments below.

Have you tried adding other ingredients to this pasta dish? How did it turn out? Share your experience with us – we’re always excited to see how you get creative in the kitchen!

Conclusion

This Garlic & Herb Pasta with Parmesan Cheese is a timeless dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and ease. Perfect for those busy evenings when you want something quick but delicious, this vegetarian pasta recipe offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced home chef, this dish will become one of your go-to recipes. Try it today, and enjoy the delightful flavors of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese!

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