Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
I am not exaggerating when I say nothing brings me more joy than the combination of pasta, garlic, and parmesan cheese. My undying love for that comfort food paired with my busy schedule means I make this parmesan garlic spaghetti recipe more often than I'd like to admit, and once you try it, I'm confident you will, too. Five ingredients and 20 minutes is all it takes to make this incredibly simple and flavorful Italian dinner, and it's the perfect recipe for one for those who live on their own. Of course, if you're cooking for more than one (or if you want leftovers for yourself . . . good luck with that), then you can multiply the measurements for however many people you're feeding.
The best part is this meal is made almost entirely of pantry and fridge staples (spaghetti, garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese). The parsley adds color and fresh flavor, but it's not totally necessary and you don't need to make a special trip for it.
Another note is that I love grating garlic with a microplane rather than mincing it with a knife, because when you add it to the pan, it practically melts into the butter to create a smooth garlic-infused butter sauce. But if you're unable to grate it, a fine mince will work just as well.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
Are you craving pasta yet?! Bring on the garlic breath and make this for yourself ASAP.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
Notes *Let's be real — I don't pay attention to pasta serving sizes. I added about 1/4 of the box of dried spaghetti, which makes one generous portion.
IngredientsAbout 4 ounces spaghetti* 2 cloves garlic, grated (or minced, if you don't have a microplane) 2 tablespoons salted butter 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional) Salt and pepper, to tasteDirectionsBring a pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt before adding the pasta, cook according to package directions, and drain. Meanwhile, heat a pan over medium heat and add butter. Swirl around in the pan and cook until fully melted and slightly foamy, about a minute. Add the grated garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about another minute. Turn off the heat and add the cooked pasta, parmesan cheese, and parsley, and toss until pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper, add as much parmesan cheese as your heart desires (the sky's the limit), and eat. 
