If you're looking for a meal that’s quick, delicious, and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, you've come to the right place! I remember one night when my son, Jake, declared that he only wanted to eat 'noodles with cheese' for dinner. That’s when I whipped up this Garlic Parmesan Pasta. It’s a fantastic option among quick dinner ideas no meat that kids love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s super easy to make in under 30 minutes.
- Kids love the cheesy, garlicky flavor.
- Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick meal.
- Great for picky eaters who prefer plain meals.
Pure Comfort
Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter fills the kitchen, making everyone feel at home. It’s a simple meal that brings the family together, sparking laughter and stories around the dinner table.
What You Need
- 1 8 oz spaghetti – You can substitute with any pasta shape.
- 1/2 4 tbsp unsalted butter – Olive oil works too.
- 1 4 cloves garlic, minced – Adjust for less garlic if preferred.
- 1 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- to taste Salt – Add more if needed.
- to taste Black pepper – Freshly cracked is best.
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped – Optional for garnish.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pasta ahead and store it in the fridge.
Steps to Make It
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The butter should be bubbly and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to be golden, not burnt, so keep an eye on it!
- Once the pasta is done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the hot pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic butter.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything together. The cheese should melt and create a creamy coating on the pasta.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. It should look glossy and inviting!
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it another good toss to mix everything well.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. It should look vibrant and smell amazing!
Make It Perfect
- Always reserve some pasta water; it helps create a creamy sauce.
- Don’t skip the garlic; it’s what makes this dish sing!
- Feel free to add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Make sure to taste as you go; adjust seasoning to your liking.
Mix It Up
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Mix in roasted vegetables for a colorful twist.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a unique flavor.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a simple green salad.
- Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.
- A side of steamed broccoli complements this dish nicely.
💡 For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest.
FAQs
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Reheat gently.
What can I substitute for Parmesan?
Nutritional yeast gives a similar cheesy flavor for a vegan option.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a kick.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas no meat, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it’s a dish that even picky eaters will enjoy. So, gather your loved ones around the table and dig in!
Garlic Parmesan Pasta Quick Dinner Kids Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until bubbly and fragrant.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden but not burnt.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with garlic butter.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually if pasta seems dry until desired creamy consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste and toss well.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.