Creamy Garlic Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is simple yet incredibly flavorful, thanks to the combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, requires minimal ingredients, and feels like restaurant-quality comfort food. It’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or alongside chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti, fettuccine, or pasta of choice
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes (do not burn).
3. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and help the sauce cling to the noodles.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 15 minutes.

Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for added protein.
• Use roasted garlic instead of fresh for a milder, sweeter flavor.
• Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the cream sauce can separate.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best with creamy garlic sauce?

Long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti works beautifully, but short pasta like penne also holds the sauce well.

Can I make this pasta without cream?

Yes, you can use milk with a cornstarch slurry to thicken, though the sauce will be lighter.

How do I avoid burning the garlic?

Cook it over medium heat and stir constantly, removing it from the pan as soon as it becomes fragrant.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, use olive oil instead of butter, a plant-based cream, and vegan Parmesan.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated melts better and gives a smoother sauce, but pre-grated works in a pinch.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer it uncovered until it reduces, or add a little more Parmesan.

Can I make it ahead of time?

The sauce is best fresh, but you can prepare it and store for up to a day. Reheat gently before tossing with pasta.

Is this dish very garlicky?

It depends on how much garlic you use—adjust to your taste. Roasted garlic makes it milder.

Can I add white wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream for extra depth.

What can I serve with creamy garlic pasta?

It pairs well with salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Pasta is the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. With its rich, silky sauce and comforting flavor, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up with proteins and vegetables. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Creamy Garlic Pasta

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Creamy Garlic Pasta is a rich and comforting pasta dish with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Quick and simple to prepare, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy indulgent meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 12 oz spaghetti, fettuccine, or pasta of choice
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
3. 4 garlic cloves, minced
4. 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
5. 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
6. Salt and black pepper, to taste
7. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, without burning.
2. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and help sauce cling to noodles.
5. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

• Use roasted garlic instead of fresh for a milder flavor.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
• Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for protein.
• Make it spicy with red pepper flakes.
• Not ideal for freezing—best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 85mg