Name: Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper

Introduction

This creamy garlic pasta is a comforting and elegant dish that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The rich sauce made with butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese coats the pasta perfectly for a deliciously satisfying meal.

A close-up view of a pan filled with creamy rigatoni pasta coated in a smooth white sauce with small green herb specks, showing each pasta tube with a textured surface and hollow center, stirred by a wooden spoon with a rounded head, all set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and toss it well to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk and reduce the butter slightly.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and smoothest texture.
If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of cooked rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy white sauce with small green herb bits mixed in. The pasta pieces are tubular and have ridged surfaces, covered evenly by the smooth sauce, giving them a shiny texture. A wooden spoon is stirring the pasta from the right side inside a black pan, and the pasta fills the pan, showing many layers of pasta tubes overlapping. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any long pasta like linguine, penne, or even rigatoni works well with the creamy garlic sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Cook the sauce over medium to low heat and avoid boiling once the cheese is added. Stir continuously and add pasta water gradually if needed to maintain a smooth texture.

Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish featuring tender fettuccine smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal, it balances bold garlic flavor with smooth, cheesy indulgence.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let the cream thicken slightly for about 5 minutes.
Add Parmesan and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while warm. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of the cheese.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk but expect a thinner sauce.
Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or steamed vegetables can enhance this dish for more protein and nutrition.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter and affect the sauce’s taste.

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