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creamy garlic parmesan pasta salad - featured image

Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad Recipe

  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A quick and easy creamy garlic parmesan pasta salad that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family meals. This crowd-pleasing dish comes together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients and a secret technique for a silky, emulsified dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) short pasta (rotini or fusilli)
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (100g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup (60g) diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley
  • 3/4 cup (180g) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Chop veggies and grate cheese while water heats.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes).
  3. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  4. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Shake well to remove excess water.
  5. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth.
  6. Add grated Parmesan to the dressing and whisk again. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, thawed peas, and diced red onion. Toss gently.
  8. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss until every piece is coated. Add more pasta water if needed.
  9. Fold in chopped fresh parsley and give one last gentle toss.
  10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Overnight is even better.

Notes

Reserve about 1/4 cup of dressing to add right before serving if making ahead. Save pasta water to revive creaminess. For best flavor, let rest overnight in the refrigerator.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 520
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 38
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 10

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan pasta salad, easy pasta salad, cold pasta salad, potluck pasta salad, summer pasta salad

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/perfect-creamy-garlic-parmesan-pasta-salad-recipe/