This 20 minute Parmesan pasta recipe combines freshly grated cheese with aromatic herbs and garlic.

Parmesan Pasta

Instead of relying on linguine, penne or spaghetti, try making a delicious dinner using egg noodles at the star. The hearty starch has a rich flavor and bouncy texture. For this Parmesan pasta recipe, we coat it in a simple cheese sauce that includes butter, olive oil, basil, thyme, garlic and seasonings. Prepare a batch of this delightful dish and dig into it for a quick and easy meal throughout the week.
Parmesan Pasta Ingredients
- Egg noodles: We rely on egg noodles because they’re generally rich in flavor, allowing them not to get lost in the cheesy Parmesan sauce.
- Cheese: We grate Parmesan onto the egg noodles to give the dish a nutty flavor. The cheese melts into the pasta thanks to the residual heat.
- Butter: For a rich-tasting dish, we add butter to the hot pasta and allow it to melt into a creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: We coat the egg noodles in olive oil so they don’t stick together.
- Herbs: We minced fresh basil and thyme and mixed them into this cheesy pasta dish for aromatic bites.
- Garlic: To add umami notes to this dish, we minced fresh garlic and combined it with the pasta.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
In a small saucepan, cook the noodles according to package directions and drain.
Step 2: Dress the pasta
Add the Parmesan, butter, olive oil, basil, thyme, garlic and salt and toss to coat.
Parmesan Pasta Variations
- Swap the pasta: Instead of egg noodles, try this recipe out with pillowy potato or ricotta gnocchi.
- Add pancetta: Add fried pancetta into the Parmesan sauce to give this pasta a savory kick.
- Make it creamy: Pour in a splash of cream to make this Parmesan sauce extra comforting.
How to Store Parmesan Pasta
First, let your butter Parmesan noodles cool and come to room temperature. Then, refrigerate it in an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for three to four days.
Can you make Parmesan noodles ahead of time?
This pasta is the ideal meal prep recipe. Follow the recipe and then store it in the fridge for three to four days. Reheat it when you’re ready to dig in throughout the week.
Can you freeze Parmesan pasta?
If you have leftover Parmesan pasta, we recommend storing it in an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag. You can freeze it for two to three months and then reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Parmesan Pasta Tips
What type of Parmesan cheese should I use?
You can use any Parmesan for this recipe, but the flavor will vary depending on how aged the wedge you use is. Parmesan matured for extended periods will have a more intense nutty flavor.
Can I make a vegan version of this pasta?
You can adapt this recipe to fit your needs if you prefer plant-based meals. For example, you can swap the egg noodles for vegan pasta. Plus, swap the dairy in this recipe for vegan butter and Parmesan. Keep in mind that the final flavor may vary from the original but still taste delicious.
What can I serve alongside Parmesan pasta?
To make this Parmesan pasta extra hearty, toss in grilled or steamed vegetables like broccoli, zucchini or asparagus, or proteins like chicken, shrimp or salmon. It’ll also taste delicious with a side of toasted garlic bread.
Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- In a small saucepan, cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Add the remaining ingredients and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 243 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.