Embrace the aromatic and indulgent world of garlic with this Creamy Garlic Pasta, a dish that promises to satisfy your cravings for something rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This recipe takes the beloved simplicity of pasta and elevates it with a velvety sauce, infused with the golden goodness of sautéed garlic. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy dinner, a romantic meal, or when you simply need the comfort of a delicious, garlicky, creamy pasta dish. Quick and easy to prepare, yet impressive in taste and presentation, this Creamy Garlic Pasta is sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Pasta:
- Intense Flavor: The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a deeply satisfying taste.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute dinner idea.
- Versatile: Serve as a main dish or a side, and easily add your favorite proteins or vegetables to customize.
- Comforting: Offers the ultimate comfort food experience with its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients Notes For Creamy Garlic Pasta:
- Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: The star of the dish. Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor, adjusting the quantity according to your taste.
- Heavy Cream: Provides the base for the creamy sauce. For a lighter version, half-and-half can be substituted.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for its superior melt and flavor.
- Butter: Used for sautéing the garlic and adding richness to the sauce.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) enhance the overall flavor profile.
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet with the garlic. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if the sauce needs thinning.
Creamy Garlic Pasta: The Perfect Weeknight Meal
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little of the reserved pasta cooking water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the pasta is well coated in the sauce, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.