Name: Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti; 2 tablespoons butter; 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Craving a comforting bowl of pasta that wraps you in a warm, velvety hug? Creamy Garlic Pasta is pure weeknight magic: deeply aromatic, luxuriously creamy, and packed with the kind of simple, classic flavors you always long for. Whether you’re ready to twirl up a cozy solo dinner or impress guests with something irresistibly creamy, this pasta brings the Italian restaurant right to your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the irresistible world of Creamy Garlic Pasta—it’s about to become your new favorite comfort food!

Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of everyday ingredients can deliver restaurant-quality Creamy Garlic Pasta. Each item on the list plays a critical role—nothing is wasted, and every bite is packed with flavor, texture, and that creamy, satisfying finish we love in comfort food.

Pasta (8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti): The sturdy strands soak up sauce beautifully—choose your favorite shape for a personal twist.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Unsalted butter creates a rich backbone for the sauce, rounding out the garlicky goodness.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The absolute star—garlic infuses each bite with aromatic punch and a hint of sweetness.
All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Just a touch creates the silkiness in the sauce, helping it cling perfectly to every noodle.
Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): Gives that irresistibly creamy texture and elevates this dish to indulgent status.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): For punchy, salty depth—always grate it fresh, if you can!
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances and balances every flavor in the dish.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle background heat that complements the garlic.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For a whisper of spicy warmth—add to taste for a little kick.
Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Brightens up the pasta with a splash of color and fresh aroma.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of well-salted water to a roaring boil and add your fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook it just until al dente—firm to the bite, never mushy. Remember to reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this simple trick will help you give the sauce its perfect silky finish!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. When it’s just foamy, sprinkle in the minced garlic. Sauté for just 1–2 minutes until it’s fragrant and lightly golden—keep a close eye, because garlic goes from golden to bitter in a flash. That aroma right now? That’s the heart of your Creamy Garlic Pasta!

Step 3: Build the Roux

Sprinkle the flour into your pan and stir to combine, letting the mixture cook for about a minute. This step is essential for a luscious sauce; the flour thickens everything and ensures your pasta will be coated in glossy goodness, not stuck with watery sauce.

Step 4: Add the Cream

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking or stirring—this keeps the sauce smooth. Bring it all up to a gentle simmer, then let it bubble quietly for 3–4 minutes. What you’re looking for: a sauce that’s thickened just enough to coat a spoon, creamy but not gloopy.

Step 5: Flavor and Cheese

Lower the heat and sprinkle in that freshly grated Parmesan, along with the salt, black pepper, and (if you’re feeling bold) those red pepper flakes. Stir well—watch as the cheese melts into the sauce, making it cheesy and even more velvety.

Step 6: Combine and Toss

Add your drained pasta straight into the skillet and use tongs to toss so every strand is bathed in that luscious, creamy garlic sauce. If your pasta looks a tad thick, a splash or two of reserved pasta water will smooth everything right out to your ideal consistency.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Finish with a handful of fresh chopped parsley if you like—a little touch that adds color and fresh flavor. Now, serve up your Creamy Garlic Pasta while it’s piping hot and enjoy every glorious bite!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Pasta

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley brightens the bowl instantly, while a touch more grated Parmesan amps up the richness. For a fiery twist, scatter a few extra red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of good olive oil for shimmer and depth.

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Pasta pairs delightfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or some blistered cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color. Crusty, warm bread on the side is an absolute must for soaking up every last drop of that unreal sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions twirled high with tongs for bistro-style flair, or present in a big family-style dish, topped generously with parsley and cheese. For a special dinner, nestle in slices of grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp—each makes a wonderful pairing with the creamy garlic canvas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Creamy Garlic Pasta, pop the cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce will thicken as it chills but will reheat beautifully with just a bit of extra liquid. Aim to enjoy leftovers within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.

Freezing

While pasta dishes with cream sauce aren’t the absolute best candidates for the freezer (creamy sauces can sometimes split), you can still freeze Creamy Garlic Pasta in a pinch. Divide into portions, let them cool, and freeze tightly wrapped for up to one month. When reheating, just add a splash of cream or milk as you warm it to help the sauce come back together.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently—ideally in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a couple tablespoons of cream, milk, or even water to loosen the sauce as it warms, stirring often. Microwave works too, just go low and slow in short bursts to keep it creamy, not dry.

FAQs

Can I add protein to my Creamy Garlic Pasta?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu make stellar additions—just cook separately and toss in at the end for a hearty, well-rounded meal.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half works well for a lighter version, while milk and a little extra flour also do the trick. Keep in mind that the final sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still be delightfully creamy.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, as written Creamy Garlic Pasta is completely vegetarian! Just double-check your Parmesan (some brands use animal rennet) to be certain, or substitute with a vegetarian-friendly cheese.

Can I prepare Creamy Garlic Pasta gluten-free?

With a simple swap to your favorite gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux, you can enjoy this dish without gluten and with all the same comfort and flavor.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté the garlic only until it’s fragrant and just starting to color, never leaving it unattended. Lower heat if needed and keep stirring—the line between golden and burnt is a thin one!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for your ultimate weeknight comfort dinner, Creamy Garlic Pasta checks every box—quick, easy, ultra-satisfying, and memorable. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like that moment you toss the noodles in that garlicky cream sauce and take your first twirl. Give it a try, and this dish might just become your new go-to pasta night treat!

Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a luscious and satisfying dish with this Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe. Perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich and velvety garlic-infused cream sauce, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. This easy-to-make recipe is a comfort food classic that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti

Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, sauté garlic, add flour, then slowly whisk in cream. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add pasta, toss to coat. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water. Garnish with parsley.