Creamy Garlic Pasta

Looking for a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious dinner idea? Creamy Garlic Pasta is the answer! With a rich and velvety garlic-infused sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends. Prepared in less than 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta

This simple recipe combines pantry staples like pasta, garlic, cream, and cheese to create a flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. You can enjoy it as is or serve it as a side with your favorite protein for a complete meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your favorite pasta (like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine) until al dente. Prior to draining, set aside 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Make the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated in the sauce. Incorporate the reserved pasta water to modify the consistency, if necessary.
5. Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a finishing touch.

Ingredients

Variations

1. Add Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to enhance the dish and make it more filling.
2. Vegetarian Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
3. Spice It Up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
4. Lighter Option: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Place leftovers sealed in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
• Freezing: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Prior to draining, set aside 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
3. Pour in heavy cream, stirring well. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, making sure it is thoroughly coated. If needed, add the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.