Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Name: Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 oz (250 g) dry pasta; 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted); ½ tablespoon olive oil; 3/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Salt, optional; ½ cup finely chopped parsley, optional

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Make this Easy Parmesan Pasta Recipe whenever you need a quick lunch or dinner. It needs only a few ingredients and 20 minutes. Nothing could be simpler and easier yet very tasty. Everyone in the family will gobble it up!

Pasta with parmesan garnished with parsley served in a white bowl and a fork inside it.

This is one of our favorite pasta recipes. We often make it when we need a fast lunch. Being food bloggers, we're always busy at home during the day. This pasta is perfect for our tight schedule. And if you're normally a fan of parmesan cheese on pasta, go ahead and give this recipe a try!

We make it using dry pasta but it can be made with fresh pasta too. You can try our method to make homemade pasta without machine and then follow the steps here.

If you need simple dishes that you can make even when you are tired, this parmesan cheese pasta recipe is for you! It is delicious and really quick to make. One of the best easy dinner recipes that will satisfy everyone.

Jump to:

Why You Should Make This Recipe
About The Ingredients
Alternative Add-Ins
How To Make The Recipe
Pro Tips
Variations
Storage & Reheating
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
More Pasta Recipes
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Why You Should Make This Recipe

Easy to Make: No complicated steps.
Simple Ingredients: You only need 5 basic ingredients to whip this up.
No Cream or Milk: Great if you're avoiding milk or just want something lighter.
Tastes Amazing on Its Own: No need to add anything extra.
Perfect with Salad: Serve it with a fresh salad for a complete, balanced meal. Check out our Turkish coban salad!

About The Ingredients

Dry fettuccine, butter, parmesan cheese, oil, parsley, salt and pepper photographed on a black background.

Now, let's take a look at what we need to make pasta with parmesan cheese.

Dry Pasta: Although we love fettuccine in this parmesan pasta recipe, you can use whatever pasta shape you like. Kids always love the idea of parmesan spaghetti. Right? Some of our other favorites are linguine and angel hair pasta. Rotini, ziti or fusilli works fine too.
Parmesan Cheese: Originating from Italy, Parmesan cheese adds an amazing richness to recipes. Choose genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best taste. We LOVE its sharp and savory flavor. If you love it too, you might want to see our Italian Stuffed Artichokes Recipe too.
Olive Oil and Butter: We use a combination of these two in this parmigiano pasta recipe. Olive oil provides a hint of earthiness and fruitiness, while butter adds a creamy and rich dimension. Combined, they form the base for a silky sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
Seasonings: We use salt and pepper.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: It is optional but we love the refreshing touch it adds to the pasta. If you want, use fresh basil instead.

Alternative Add-Ins

If you're looking to experiment with this parmesan cheese pasta or adapt it to your own taste, here are some variations to consider:

Proteins:

Chicken: Add sautéed chicken strips or cubes. If you have leftover chicken pieces, just throw them in the pan to turn your dish into a hearty chicken parmesan pasta.
Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp blends well with the cheesy texture and adds a seafood twist.
Bacon: Crumbled bacon will give a smoky flavor to the dish.

Vegetables:

Spinach: Fresh or sautéed spinach can be stirred into the pasta for a healthful addition.
Broccoli: Blanched or steamed broccoli florets provide a nice crunch and vibrant color.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can offer an earthy flavor, complementing the rich cheese. Check out our creamy oyster mushroom pasta to get inspired.
Other veggies: Blanched asparagus, brussels sprouts or green beans would make a great fiber addition to the dish.

More Cheeses:

Mozzarella cheese: For a stretchy, cheesy texture, mix in some mozzarella with the parmesan.
Gouda or Cheddar: If you want a milder cheese flavor, you can blend parmesan with gouda or cheddar.
Feta cheese: When serving, you can top it with some crumbled feta cheese for a subtle tangy flavor.

Spices:

Red pepper flakes: For those who love a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
Italian seasoning: It is a harmonious blend of herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. Add a dash of it if you want a hint of traditional Italian aroma in your pasta.

How To Make The Recipe

Making this parmesan pasta is as easy as it gets! Let's see the steps.

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!

A collage of four pictures showing how to cook pasta and combine it with parmesan cheese.

Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the pasta. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, or slightly firm when bitten.
Heat the Oil and Butter Sauce: In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and butter together until melted and combined.
Assemble: Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the pan. Pour the reserved pasta water over it and toss. Add a generous amount of freshly grated parmesan cheese and toss until the pasta is well coated with the melted cheese.
Season and Add Cheese: Season the pasta with black pepper according to your taste. Give it a taste and then add salt if needed. You might find the salt from parmesan enough, so don't add it without tasting beforehand.

Pro Tips

Cooking the Pasta: Use a large pot and plenty of water to cook the pasta. This helps it cook evenly. Add salt to the boiling water. It gives the pasta flavor. After draining, don't rinse your pasta. The starch on the pasta helps the sauce stick better.
Using Different Pasta Shapes: Different shapes can have different cook times. Always check the packet for guidance. Taste the pasta before draining. It should be soft but still a bit firm ("al dente").
Adding Parmesan: Grate it yourself. Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better and tastes fresher. Also, put the cheese in a bit at a time and stir well over the lowest heat. This way, it melts evenly and doesn’t clump. And you will have the perfect pasta with parmesan sauce.
Fixing Dry or Thick Pasta: If your dish gets too thick, add a bit of water or broth until it’s right. Keep stirring your pasta and sauce. This helps everything mix well and keeps the pasta from sticking.

Variations

With Garlic: For a fragrant twist, start by sautéing minced garlic in the butter and olive oil until it's golden and aromatic. Then follow the rest of the steps in the recipe card below. You will have a creamy garlic parmesan pasta with a deeper flavor that will definitely satisfy your taste buds.

With Heavy Cream: If you're in the mood for something richer and creamier, add a splash of heavy cream to the pasta after you've mixed in the parmesan. It will create a lusciously thick sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

With Chicken Broth: For an enhanced savory note, consider adding chicken broth. Instead of using reserved pasta water, stir in chicken broth to thin out the cheese and create a flavorful sauce. This addition not only adds depth but also a beautiful, silky consistency to the parmesan pasta.

Storage & Reheating

Storing:

Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer the pasta to an airtight container. Properly stored, it will last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days.
Freezing: If you're looking to store it longer, you can freeze the pasta. Make sure it's cooled completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to 1-2 months. Note: The texture might change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating:

Microwave: For a quick reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and use the medium setting to warm it up. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Stovetop: Pour the pasta into a pan and warm over medium heat. If it seems too dry, you can add a splash of water, broth, or milk to bring back some moisture and prevent sticking.

Tips:

It's recommended to avoid reheating pasta multiple times as it can degrade the texture and flavor.
If you've frozen the pasta, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing your parmesan pasta with the right sides or toppings can take your dinner to a whole new level. Here are our serving suggestions to complement your dish and create an amazing feast.

Fettuccine topped with parmesan cheese and chopped parsley in a white bowl and a fork inside it.

Arugula and Fig Salad: The peppery taste of arugula combined with the sweetness of figs can provide a refreshing contrast.

Garlic Bread: Warm and buttery, this is a favorite choice for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Chicken: Simple roasted chicken pieces or cast iron chicken breast can complement this creamy pasta.

Shrimp: Grilled or sautéed shrimp can enrich the luxurious feel of the dish.

Also, you might consider toppings like toasted panko breadcrumbs for a crunch and a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat.

FAQs

Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?

We don't recommend it. Freshly grated parmesan usually melts better and has a fresher taste.

What does parmesan cheese do to pasta?

It adds a rich and nutty flavor to the pasta. It also provides a creamy texture, making the dish more delightful.

Do Italians add parmesan to pasta?

Yes, Italians often sprinkle parmesan on various pasta dishes, especially those with a butter or oil base.

Does parmesan cheese melt on pasta?

Yes, when sprinkled on hot pasta or stirred into warm sauces, parmesan cheese will melt, giving the dish a creamy texture. Make sure it is freshly grated though.

How do you add parmesan cheese to pasta without clumping it?

To avoid clumping, add the grated parmesan gradually, stirring consistently. It's also helpful to ensure that the pasta or sauce isn't too hot. Using freshly grated cheese over pre-packaged varieties can also minimize clumping.

What is the Italian version of Parmesan cheese?

In Italy, the cheese known as Parmesan is actually called "Parmigiano Reggiano." It's a hard, aged cheese originating from the Parma region.

What Parmesan do Italians use?

They typically use "Parmigiano Reggiano," which is a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product. This means the cheese is produced in a specific region (around Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Bologna and Mantova) following strict guidelines to ensure its quality and authenticity.

More Pasta Recipes

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