Irresistibly Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hunger without sacrificing flavor.

This creamy garlic pasta recipe becomes a game-changer for busy home cooks craving comfort food in a flash.

Silky sauce coats perfectly al dente noodles, creating a luxurious meal that comes together faster than takeout.

Rich with garlic’s aromatic punch and smooth cream, the dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in mere minutes.

Cheese adds a delightful depth that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Anyone can master this simple yet impressive pasta that promises to become a household favorite.

Grab your skillet and let the culinary magic begin.

Plating 15 Minute Garlic Pasta

• Parsley Party Topper: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and a light herbal freshness that adds visual appeal and subtle flavor.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits to transform this creamy garlic pasta into a more substantial main course that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Side Salad Companion: Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce and create a well-rounded meal that feels complete and refreshing.
• Bread Basket Buddy: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce, ensuring not a single drop goes to waste and providing a delightful texture contrast.

Pasta Storage for Busy Weeknights

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
• 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 interval until warmed through.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore creamy texture. Stir gently and continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute any pasta shape like fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. You can also use less butter or a low-fat alternative.

• How can I add more protein to this pasta?

Easily add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits to make the dish more substantial and protein-rich.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with Romano cheese or use a blend of other hard cheeses like Asiago or aged cheddar for a similar flavor profile.

15 Minute Garlic Pasta Magic

• Whip Up a Quick Meal: Satisfy hunger pangs with this lightning-fast pasta dish that comes together in mere minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden cravings.
• Master Simple Gourmet Cooking: Elevate your home cooking skills with a restaurant-quality creamy garlic pasta that requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or toss in extra vegetables for a personalized touch that suits every taste preference.
• Delight the Whole Family: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, with its rich, cheesy sauce and classic garlic flavor everyone will love.

Garlic Pasta Ingredients You Need

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the foundation of this creamy dish.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: A rich combination that creates a luxurious and smooth sauce with deep, comforting flavors.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Parsley: Essential ingredients that add layers of zesty, savory, and fresh notes to enhance the overall taste of the pasta.

Easy Instructions for Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions.

Before draining, scoop out a cup of pasta water and set aside.

Drain pasta completely.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic

Warm a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop butter into the pan and let it melt smoothly.

Add minced garlic and cook quickly until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma, which takes about one minute.

Step 3: Create Silky Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle bubble.

Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Melt Cheese

• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely and blends into a velvety sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the creamy garlic sauce.

Toss pasta thoroughly until every strand is coated with the luxurious sauce.

Season with salt and black pepper to match your taste preferences.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and sauce is creamy.

Tips for Quick Garlic Pasta

• Save some pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats your noodles.
• Sauté garlic quickly to release its aromatic flavors without burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
• Add Parmesan gradually and stir constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Adjust the sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water if it becomes too thick or sticky.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color to the dish.

Variations for Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Vegan Creamy Garlic Pasta: Replace butter with olive oil, heavy cream with coconut milk, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Garlic Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Garlic Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a fiery kick and extra flavor complexity.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Pasta: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the sauce's aromatic profile and add depth.

15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Garlic lovers rejoice with this quick and luxurious 15 minute creamy garlic pasta that brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Rich parmesan and silky sauce blend perfectly, inviting you to savor each delightful, twirling bite of culinary magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Fat:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

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

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully set aside a half cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature, melting butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.
3. Add finely chopped garlic to the bubbling butter, stirring continuously for approximately 60 seconds to release its aromatic essence without burning.
4. Gently pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer softly while maintaining a consistent stir to prevent scorching.
5. Gradually incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese dissolves completely and creates a silky, uniform sauce.
6. If the sauce appears too thick, introduce reserved pasta water incrementally, creating a luxurious, smooth consistency.
7. Transfer drained pasta directly into the creamy sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is lavishly coated.
8. Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
9. Optional: Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Quickly save some pasta water before draining, as its starchy magic helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smoother melting, avoiding pre-packaged grated cheese which can have added stabilizers.
• Control the sauce’s richness by adjusting cream quantity or substituting half-and-half for a lighter version, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences.
• Consider adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform this simple pasta into a more substantial meal without complicating the cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 1035 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 75 g
• Saturated Fat: 45 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg