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To make Garlic Parmesan Rotini, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need: - 12 oz rotini pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Extra grated Parmesan (for serving) These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste. Feel free to mix things up! Here are some optional ingredients: - Vegetables: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms. - Protein: Cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon can add a tasty twist. - Cheeses: Try using mozzarella or goat cheese for a different flavor. With these options, you can make Garlic Parmesan Rotini your own. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed cooking steps and tips! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini pasta and cook it according to package instructions. I like to aim for al dente, which means the pasta should be firm but cooked. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. To check, taste a piece of pasta a minute or two before the time is up. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save about 1 cup of that pasta water. This water can help your sauce later. Next, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this for about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely! You want the garlic fragrant, not burnt. If it starts to brown, lower the heat. After the garlic is ready, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Now, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time. Keep stirring until you reach your desired consistency. It’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked rotini to your skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta well to coat every piece with that delicious garlic Parmesan sauce. Taste it! You may want to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you love cheese, feel free to sprinkle in more grated Parmesan. Serve this dish hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top. Enjoy your flavorful meal! For the complete cooking instructions, check the Full Recipe. Garlic Parmesan Rotini pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal. For a special touch, add roasted veggies like broccoli or bell peppers. For garnishes, fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top. This simple step makes your dish look gourmet! To enhance flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of nutmeg. These spices can elevate the taste without overpowering it. You can also experiment with garlic powder for an extra layer of garlic flavor. To ensure a creamy texture in your sauce, stir constantly while adding cheese. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water. This helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly. Preparing your ingredients ahead of time cuts down on cooking time. Mince garlic and measure cheese before you start cooking. This way, you can focus on cooking without interruptions. For quick cooking methods, use a large skillet. This allows the pasta and sauce to combine faster. You can also use a microwave to warm up heavy cream, making it ready to pour into the skillet sooner. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients to lighten up this dish. Instead of heavy cream, use Greek yogurt or low-fat milk. This will cut down on calories while still giving you a creamy texture. Adding vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Try spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes. They pair well with the garlic and cheese. You can also add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal. Different cheeses can bring new flavors to the dish. Parmesan is great, but you could mix in mozzarella or feta for a twist. Just remember, each cheese has its own taste, which can change the whole vibe of the dish. Herbs can take your Garlic Parmesan Rotini to the next level. Fresh basil or thyme adds depth. You can even try a hint of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Just sprinkle them in as you cook. To make Garlic Parmesan Rotini gluten-free, swap regular pasta for gluten-free rotini. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. If you want a vegan version, use plant-based butter and cream. Nutritional yeast can replace the cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also consider low-calorie pasta made from vegetables for a lighter meal. To keep your Garlic Parmesan Rotini fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. Place the container in the fridge. It’s best to eat the leftovers within three days for the best taste. For longer storage, you can freeze the rotini. Just make sure to cool it down first. Portion it into freezer-safe bags. Label them with the date, and it can last up to three months. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating properly is key. You can use the microwave for quick reheating. Place the rotini in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps keep it moist. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. If you prefer the stove, use a skillet with a splash of water or cream. This prevents the pasta from drying out. Heat it on low and stir gently to avoid overcooking. In the fridge, Garlic Parmesan Rotini lasts about three to four days. If you freeze it, aim to use it within three months for the best quality. Check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or changes in color. If it looks or smells strange, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Garlic Parmesan Rotini is a creamy pasta dish. It uses rotini pasta, which is spiral-shaped. The dish features a rich sauce made from butter, garlic, and heavy cream. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. You will also need Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Fresh parsley can garnish the dish for color. The flavors combine to create a warm and comforting meal. Yes, you can make Garlic Parmesan Rotini in advance. To do this, cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat them together in a skillet. Add a splash of pasta water to help loosen the sauce. This method keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. You can enhance the flavor of Garlic Parmesan Rotini in many ways. Consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. Vegetables like spinach or broccoli add nutrition and color. For a kick, try red pepper flakes or lemon zest. If you love cheese, mix in mozzarella or gouda. For detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. Garlic Parmesan Rotini is a simple yet delicious dish. We covered ingredient types, how to cook, and the steps for a perfect sauce. You learned about tips for serving, cooking, and variations to enhance flavor. We also discussed storage and reheating to keep your dish fresh. Incorporating these tips will help you create a tasty meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients to make this pasta your own!

- Garlic Parmesan Rotini

Indulge in a delicious Garlic Parmesan Rotini that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This creamy dish combines al dente rotini pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce and plenty of Parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this comforting recipe is sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz rotini pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Extra grated Parmesan (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.

    In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Bring to a gentle simmer.

        Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

          Add the cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic Parmesan sauce.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add more grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

              Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4