Creamy Garlic Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Pasta is rich, comforting, and full of bold garlic flavor. I love how velvety the sauce gets, coating each strand of pasta in a luscious creaminess that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and made with simple pantry staples. It feels indulgent but comes together quickly, and I can easily dress it up with veggies or proteins. It’s my go-to when I want something satisfying without a ton of effort.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta of choice (fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine work great)
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, lemon zest for brightness

directions

1. I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. I cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. I stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens.
5. I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. I toss in the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
7. I finish with chopped parsley and lemon zest if I want extra brightness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 generous servings and takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for a heartier meal. When I want extra greens, I stir in spinach or peas. For a lighter version, I swap in half-and-half or milk and reduce the cheese a bit.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. I avoid the microwave when possible to keep the texture smooth.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. I sometimes add a bit of flour or extra cheese to help thicken it.

What kind of pasta works best?

I usually go with fettuccine or linguine, but any pasta works—even short shapes like penne.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but I sometimes prep the sauce a few hours ahead and cook the pasta when I’m ready to eat.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just be sure to use Parmesan that’s labeled vegetarian if that matters to me.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely. I love adding chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu for extra substance.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Pasta is rich, cozy, and endlessly customizable. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want something fast and full of flavor. Perfect for a comforting night in or as a base for all kinds of delicious add-ins.

Creamy Garlic Pasta

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Main Course, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Pasta is rich, velvety, and loaded with bold garlic flavor. Made with simple pantry staples like cream, Parmesan, and pasta, it’s a quick comfort food favorite that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home!

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Ingredients

• 6 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine)
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley, lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Toss in cooked pasta and add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest, if desired. Serve immediately.

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Notes

• Add cooked chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, or spinach for a heartier dish.
• Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version (add a little flour or cheese to help thicken).
• Best served fresh but can be stored and gently reheated with a splash of cream or milk.
• Avoid overheating or the sauce may separate.