Go Back
To make creamy garlic pasta, you need a few simple ingredients. These will help you create a rich and tasty meal. Here’s what you need: - 300g spaghetti or fettuccine - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor. The garlic gives a strong taste, while cream adds richness. Parmesan cheese makes the sauce smooth and cheesy. Olive oil helps sauté the garlic without burning it. Italian seasoning ties everything together. Salt and pepper enhance the dish, and parsley adds a fresh touch. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste. You can use more garlic for a bolder flavor or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This recipe allows for creativity while keeping the core flavors intact. For the full recipe, check out the instructions to make this delightful dish! To boil spaghetti or fettuccine, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Check the package for cooking time. Drain the pasta when it is al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to have a slight bite. Always save one cup of pasta water before you drain. This water is starchy and can help your sauce later. Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add your minced garlic. Stir it gently for 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell amazing, but not brown. If it burns, it gets bitter. To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of salt while sautéing. This brings out the garlic's natural sweetness, making the dish more tasty. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the pot. Stir well to mix it with the garlic. Allow the cream to simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce. Stir often to avoid sticking. You want a nice, creamy texture that coats the back of a spoon. If you skip this step, your sauce will not be rich and smooth. Once the cream has thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously as the cheese melts into the sauce. This gives your pasta that creamy, cheesy goodness. If the sauce is too thick, use that reserved pasta water. Just add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss it well. Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. You can follow the Full Recipe for exact measurements and additional tips! To make the best creamy garlic sauce, choose good cheese. I recommend using Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. These cheeses melt well and add rich flavor. You can also mix in a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Adjusting flavors is key. If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes. For a more herbal taste, toss in fresh basil or thyme. Always taste your sauce as you go. This way, you can tweak it to fit your mood. Timing is everything when making this dish. Start boiling your pasta first. While it cooks, you can make the sauce. This method saves time and keeps everything warm. Creamy garlic pasta goes well with many dishes. Try serving it with a simple salad or garlic bread. Grilled chicken or shrimp also pair nicely with this meal. Presentation matters! Make your plate look nice. Twirl the pasta with a fork for a fancy look. Top it with fresh parsley for color and taste. For sides, think light and fresh. A green salad or roasted vegetables work well. These sides balance the richness of the pasta and add a nice crunch. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your creamy garlic pasta. Chicken or shrimp works well. Simply cook your choice of protein in the olive oil before adding garlic. Cook until golden and then add garlic to the pan. This adds rich flavor to the dish. If you prefer vegetarian options, try mushrooms or spinach. Sauté mushrooms until they brown nicely, then add the garlic. Spinach wilts quickly, so toss it in after the garlic. Both options add a nice texture and taste. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or coconut milk. Blend soaked cashews with water for a creamy base. Coconut milk adds a unique flavor and works well in this dish. You can also use different cheeses. Goat cheese or cream cheese can add a tangy twist. Mix in your favorite cheese for a fun variation! Fresh herbs can take your pasta to the next level. Adding basil or thyme gives a nice pop of flavor. Chop them fine and stir them in right before serving. For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or lemon zest. Just a pinch of flakes warms up the dish. A little lemon zest brightens the flavors and adds freshness. These variations make creamy garlic pasta fun and unique. You can mix and match to create your perfect meal. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! To store creamy garlic pasta properly, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep the pasta fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that time, the texture may change, and the flavors may fade. To reheat creamy garlic pasta, the best method is to use the stovetop. Place the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help keep the sauce creamy. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid hot spots and keeps the pasta from drying out. What is the best type of pasta for creamy garlic pasta? I recommend using spaghetti or fettuccine. Both types hold the creamy sauce well. Spaghetti is classic, while fettuccine adds a nice, rich feel. The choice is yours! Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to eat. This keeps your pasta from becoming mushy. Is it possible to freeze creamy garlic pasta? Freezing creamy garlic pasta can change its texture. It's best to freeze just the sauce. Cook fresh pasta when you reheat the sauce for a great meal. Can I use crushed garlic instead of minced? Yes, crushed garlic works well. It offers a stronger garlic flavor. Use about half the amount, as it is more potent than minced garlic. What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use whole milk or a dairy-free cream substitute. Coconut cream adds richness too. Just know that these options may change the flavor a bit. Is creamy garlic pasta suitable for vegetarian diets? Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly. The recipe contains no meat, making it a tasty option for everyone. How to make this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Just follow the package instructions for cooking. Creamy garlic pasta combines simple ingredients for a delightful meal. You learned how to cook the pasta and create a rich sauce. I also shared tips for perfecting flavor and suggested tasty variations. Whether you add protein or herbs, this dish is versatile and easy. Enjoy it warm, and don't forget to store leftovers properly. Experimenting with this recipe can lead to your own culinary creativity. Keep it simple and delicious, and you’ll love every bite.

Creamy Garlic Pasta

Indulge in this creamy garlic pasta recipe that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor! Perfect for any weeknight dinner, this dish combines al dente spaghetti with a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce and Parmesan cheese. In just 25 minutes, you can serve a delightful meal that everyone will love. Ready to impress your family and friends?
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

300g spaghetti or fettuccine

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

    Sauté the Garlic: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

      Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the pot with the garlic. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

        Add Cheese and Seasoning: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce while stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Stir in Italian seasoning, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

            Serve: Plate the creamy garlic pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4