The Creamiest Garlic Pasta Recipe Ready in a Flash

Quick pasta nights just got easier with this mouthwatering creamy garlic pasta that comes together in mere minutes.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions for busy home cooks wanting maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Silky smooth sauce coats perfectly al dente noodles, creating a restaurant-quality dish anyone can master.

Fragrant garlic infuses every single bite with rich, comforting warmth that feels like a culinary hug.

Simple ingredients from your pantry transform into something magical in just one skillet.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction guarantee this recipe will become your new go-to meal when hunger strikes fast.

You’ll be amazed how such straightforward ingredients can produce such incredible results in under 15 minutes.

15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Overview

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up a restaurant-quality pasta dish in just minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers rich, creamy texture with classic garlic and Parmesan flavors that satisfy serious pasta cravings.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable pantry staples like pasta, butter, cream, and cheese to create a luxurious meal without breaking the bank.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with extra proteins like chicken or shrimp, or add vegetables for a more nutritious version that appeals to different tastes.

Ingredients for 15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian wheat noodle that serves as the foundation of this creamy dish.
• Pasta Water: Reserved starchy liquid that helps create a smooth and silky sauce texture.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth flavor and helps create a velvety sauce base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps bind the sauce together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Garlic: Offers a bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the entire dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste of the pasta.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green color and subtle fresh note to the finished dish.

How to Make 15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions until perfectly tender.

Save some pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic

Heat a large skillet and melt butter.

Add minced garlic and cook until it releases its aromatic essence, creating a golden fragrance.

Step 3: Create Silky Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and let it simmer gently.

The cream will start to bubble and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Blend Cheese Magic

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing and coating each strand thoroughly.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Season And Enhance

Sprinkle in salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing.

Step 7: Finish With Flair

Optional but recommended: Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming hot.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Stir pasta occasionally while cooking and rinse with cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water to thin or thicken the sauce, achieving your desired creamy consistency without compromising flavor.
• Crush garlic cloves before mincing to release more intense aromatics and maximize the depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
• Replace butter with olive oil and add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a nutritious plant-based variation.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Vegan Creamy Garlic Pasta: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Swap butter with olive oil for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Garlic Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Pasta: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic upgrade. Experiment with different herb combinations to enhance flavor.
• Light Cream Pasta: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie option. Use less butter and opt for a reduced-fat Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Parmesan Pasta Paradise: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a decadent, cheesy finish that enhances the creamy texture.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Add a handful of chopped fresh basil or chives for a burst of vibrant flavor and beautiful green color contrast.
• Protein Power-Up: Toss in grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp to transform this simple pasta into a complete, satisfying meal.
• Crispy Breadcrumb Crunch: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the top for an unexpected textural element that adds delightful crispiness to the creamy dish.

Storage Advice for Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the pasta's texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Is this pasta dish spicy?

No, this creamy garlic pasta is mild and rich with a classic garlic flavor, not spicy at all.

• Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While spaghetti or fettuccine work great, you can use any pasta shape like penne, rotini, or linguine that holds sauce well.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all. This is a beginner-friendly recipe that requires basic cooking skills like boiling pasta and sautéing garlic. Anyone can make this delicious dish in just 15 minutes.

• What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block for the best flavor and smooth melting. Pre-grated cheese in containers can be less creamy and might not blend as smoothly.

15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Garlic lovers rejoice over this 15 minute creamy garlic pasta that blends rich parmesan and silky sauce with classic Italian flavors. Quick weeknight dinners become simple culinary experiences you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine

Dairy:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until tender yet firm, approximately 8-9 minutes. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining completely.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.
3. Introduce finely chopped garlic into the melted butter, sautéing for roughly 45-60 seconds until its aroma intensifies without browning.
4. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and slightly reduce for 2-3 minutes, creating a luxurious base.
5. Gradually incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese dissolves smoothly and the sauce develops a velvety consistency.
6. Transfer drained pasta into the creamy sauce, meticulously coating each strand by folding and turning the pasta to ensure even distribution.
7. Adjust sauce thickness by introducing reserved pasta water, stirring until achieving desired creaminess and texture.
8. Season with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, tasting and modifying seasoning as needed.
9. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Always save some pasta water before draining, as its starchy quality helps create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly clings to noodles.
• Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference; roast or lightly sauté to mellow its sharp bite and enhance subtle flavor notes.
• Cheese Selection Flexibility: Experiment with different hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or aged Asiago for unique flavor profiles while maintaining creamy texture.
• Quick Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream for vegan version, or incorporate whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 870 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 65 g
• Saturated Fat: 40 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg