Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe for Perfect Easy Dinners
This creamy garlic pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food—simple, quick, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little culinary hug.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, grilled chicken, or sautéed spinach
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Toss the pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant (but don’t let it burn).
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat every strand with the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- If desired, toss in cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and texture.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
[‘Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.’, ‘Don’t overcook the garlic as it burns easily and can taste bitter.’, ‘Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother sauce.’, ‘Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.’, ‘Taste and season gradually to avoid over-salting.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450500
- Fat: 2025
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Protein: 15
Keywords: creamy garlic pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, quick pasta recipe, Italian pasta, garlic pasta, weeknight dinner