Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion, this dish combines the rich flavors of garlic and cream with your favorite pasta. This pasta dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta

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
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat; add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine; reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in Parmesan, salt, and black pepper; whisk until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat; if the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Pasta

To serve Creamy Garlic Pasta, place a generous portion on a plate and drizzle any extra sauce on top. You can add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a bit more chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation. This pasta pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread, making for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Garlic Pasta

If you have leftovers, store the Creamy Garlic Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or reserved pasta water to smooth out the sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta

Make sure to salt your pasta water well; it should taste like the ocean.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. This adds protein and nutrition while enhancing the flavor of the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like! Penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta work well.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

3. How spicy is this pasta?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat!