Gather ingredients: butter, heavy cream, garlic (minced), grated Parmesan (finely), salt, black pepper, optional nutmeg
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat
Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant
Slowly pour in heavy cream and stir until combined
Simmer gently 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened
Reduce heat to low
Add grated Parmesan gradually, stirring until smooth after each addition
Season with salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg
If too thick, thin with a splash of warm cream or milk
If too thin, simmer 1–3 minutes longer, stirring
Use immediately over pasta, or keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally