Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With its rich and creamy sauce, it’s hard to resist this pasta dish. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also simple to make, using just a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta

Ingredients:

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the heavy cream: Whisk to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue to whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Pasta

Serve Creamy Garlic Pasta warm on a plate. You can add extra Parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish is best enjoyed immediately with a nice side salad or some garlic bread.

How to Store Creamy Garlic Pasta

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool down before putting it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, simply reheat it in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a little extra cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta

Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water; it helps to thicken and adjust the sauce’s consistency.
For a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce.

Variations

You can make this dish with different types of pasta like penne or rigatoni. To add some protein, consider tossing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

FAQs

1. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish.

3. Can I make this pasta dish vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute, and vegan Parmesan cheese for a delicious vegan version.