Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Indulge in this quick and creamy garlic pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that's sure to impress!

Gwendolyn Reed

Created by

Gwendolyn Reed

Last updated on 2025-12-21T08:06:03.527Z

This Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe is a favorite in our household. It combines the richness of cream with the aromatic flavor of garlic, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to please!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy texture that envelops every strand of pasta
  • Garlic flavor that balances richness with a hint of zest
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any weeknight dinner
  • Versatile – pair it with your favorite protein or veggies

A Creamy Delight

This Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta is not just a meal; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, envelops each strand of pasta in a rich, comforting embrace. This dish offers a perfect blend of flavors that are both satisfying and indulgent, making it a go-to option for anyone looking to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The garlic adds a delightful kick, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese. As the garlic sautéed in olive oil fills your kitchen with its aromatic scent, you know you’re in for a treat. This pasta dish is as much about the experience of cooking as it is about the final product on your plate.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a dinner party, preparing a cozy meal for two, or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this creamy garlic pasta fits the bill. Its simplicity allows it to shine, yet its flavors are sophisticated enough to impress your guests. You can easily dress it up with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a medley of vegetables for added nutrition and flair.

This dish is adaptable, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. By swapping out heavy cream for a lighter alternative or using gluten-free pasta, you can cater to different tastes without sacrificing flavor.

Cooking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results, always cook your pasta to al dente. This ensures that it maintains a slight firmness and holds up well against the creamy sauce. Make sure to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid can be used to thin out the sauce if needed.

When sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it—burnt garlic can turn bitter, ruining the dish's flavor. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and remove it from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 400g spaghetti or fettuccine

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 200ml heavy cream
  • 50g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Gather all ingredients before starting the cooking process for a smooth experience.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Combine

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Mix with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade creamy garlic pasta!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy garlic pasta with a crisp side salad for a refreshing contrast. A simple mix of greens with a light vinaigrette will complement the rich flavors of the pasta beautifully. Alternatively, garlic bread or a warm baguette can be perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce. This will elevate the dish and provide a delightful kick that contrasts with the creaminess.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover creamy garlic pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to reintroduce moisture, as the sauce may thicken in the fridge. Heat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring until warmed through.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can still savor its flavors even after a day or two. Just be mindful that pasta tends to absorb the sauce over time, so have a little extra cream on hand if you prefer a saucier dish when reheating.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or linguine.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta

Indulge in this quick and creamy garlic pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that's sure to impress!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Gwendolyn Reed

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Pasta

  1. 400g spaghetti or fettuccine

Sauce

  1. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  2. 200ml heavy cream
  3. 50g grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. Fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 03

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 04

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 05

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 10g