Quick & Creamy Garlic Pasta

$To make Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or your choice of pasta - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) You can enhance the dish with these optional ingredients: - Fresh basil for a herbal twist - Lemon zest for a bright touch - Sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness - Cooked bacon for a smoky flavor While spaghetti is my go-to, other great options include: - Fettuccine for a flat noodle experience - Penne for a tube-shaped bite - Linguine for a slightly wider noodle - Gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free choice These recommendations allow you to personalize your pasta. Each type will work well with the creamy garlic sauce. Enjoy exploring these options! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt adds flavor. Once boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes, but check the package for exact times. After cooking, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water helps to adjust the sauce later. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This mixture adds richness and depth. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often. You want the garlic fragrant but not brown. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This thickens the sauce slightly. Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until it melts smoothly. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Now it's time to bring everything together. Add the drained pasta to the creamy garlic sauce. Toss the pasta well so that all the noodles are coated evenly. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor. Cook everything together for about one more minute to heat through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Once done, serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Enjoy your delicious Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta! Sautéing garlic can make or break your dish. Start by using fresh garlic. Peel and mince the cloves. Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic once the oil shimmers. Stir it for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely, so it does not burn. You want it golden, not brown. Golden garlic brings a sweet, rich flavor to your pasta. Sometimes the sauce can be too thick. To fix this, I recommend reserving pasta water. You can save about 1/2 cup before draining the pasta. After you mix the pasta with the sauce, add a bit of the reserved water. Stir well. This helps to create a smooth and creamy texture. Add water little by little until you reach your desired sauce thickness. Presentation is key in cooking. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Chop it finely and sprinkle it over your pasta. You can also add extra Parmesan for a cheesy touch. If you want some heat, sprinkle a few red pepper flakes on top. This not only looks good but also adds flavor. A well-garnished plate makes your meal feel special. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give your pasta a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced options. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water helps to adjust the sauce's consistency and adds extra starch for a creamier texture. Grate Your Own Cheese: Grating fresh Parmesan cheese rather than using pre-grated will enhance the flavor and ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add herbs like basil or thyme for additional layers of flavor that complement the garlic and cream. {{image_2}} You can make Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta even better by adding protein. Chicken is an easy choice. Just cook bite-sized pieces in the butter before adding garlic. Shrimp cooks fast, too. Add it after the garlic, then pour in the cream. Tofu is great for a vegetarian option. Use firm tofu, cut into cubes, and sauté until golden. These proteins make your dish heartier. Adding veggies is a smart way to boost flavor and nutrition. Spinach wilts down quickly. Toss it in with the pasta to cook it just right. Broccoli adds a nice crunch. Steam or sauté it before mixing it in. Peas are sweet and easy. Just add them in with the pasta for a pop of color and taste. Each veggie brings a unique twist to your creamy pasta. If you love spice, there are easy ways to turn up the heat. Start with red pepper flakes. Add them when you mix in the cream for a kick. You can also use fresh chili peppers. Slice them thin and sauté with the garlic. For a real heat boost, try hot sauce. Just a few drops can change the flavor profile. Adjust the spice level to what you like best. After enjoying your creamy garlic pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. Refrigerate within two hours to keep it safe. The pasta will stay fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. If you notice any changes in smell or color, it’s better to toss it. When you are ready to enjoy your pasta again, reheat it gently. You can use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, add a splash of water or more cream in a pan. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. This helps restore its creamy texture. In the microwave, cover the pasta with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps it from drying out. If you want to save your creamy garlic pasta for later, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently as mentioned before. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing. Yes, you can! To make this creamy garlic pasta dairy-free, use a plant-based cream. Options like coconut cream or cashew cream work well. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan. These swaps keep the dish rich and tasty without dairy. To boost flavor, try adding more garlic or a splash of lemon juice. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms. A dash of balsamic vinegar adds depth. Red pepper flakes or fresh herbs can bring more zest. Experiment to find your perfect blend! You can use many herbs for garnish. Basil, chives, or thyme are great options. They add fresh flavor and color. You might also try arugula or oregano for a unique twist. Just chop and sprinkle them on top before serving for a pop of freshness. This blog post covered all you need for a creamy garlic pasta dish. We discussed the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned about variations like adding protein or veggies. We also shared how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Remember, cooking is fun and allows for creative twists. Enjoy your meal and share it with others. Keep experimenting with flavors to make it your own!$

Quick & Creamy Garlic Pasta

A delicious and easy pasta dish with a creamy garlic sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
In the same pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn).
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, allowing it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until it melts smoothly into the cream mixture.
Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat all the noodles evenly. Cook together for an additional minute to heat through.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Add more Parmesan for extra flavor.

Keyword creamy, garlic, pasta, quick