Creamy Garlic Pasta

Introduction

Looking for a simple yet indulgent pasta dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes? This creamy garlic pasta is the answer. It’s silky, savory, and loaded with bold garlic flavor—all balanced by rich butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving something comforting, this recipe is a foolproof favorite that always satisfies.

Ingredient Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to create this garlic-lover’s dream dinner:

• Pasta (Fettuccine or Spaghetti): A long noodle like these holds the creamy sauce beautifully.

• Unsalted Butter: For a rich, velvety base.

• Fresh Garlic: The star of the dish—don’t skimp.

• Heavy Cream: Adds that luscious, creamy texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Brings saltiness and depth to the sauce.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat if desired.

• Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic
   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

3. Make the Cream Sauce
   Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Adjust the Consistency
   If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired texture.

5. Season and Combine
   Season with salt, pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve
   Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips and Variations

• Use fresh Parmesan for the best melt and flavor—avoid pre-shredded.

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms make great additions.

• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

• Want more garlic punch? Add roasted garlic or garlic powder to deepen the flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

• Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, linguine, or tagliatelle work well. Just cook according to the package instructions.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the Parmesan cheese you use is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat it with added cream or pasta water.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Try adding spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli for a more well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, comforting, rich, and loaded with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a single skillet, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in 25 minutes.

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to bookmark or share it with someone who loves garlic as much as you do.

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Creamy Garlic Pasta

Author: admin

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 15 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 20 Calories: 240 kcal

Best Season: Summer

Description

You may have made a cinnamon roll french toast casserole or french toast bake, but those can take a long time to make. With the instant pot craze going on, we thought we would try to shorten the preparation time needed for traditional french.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 cup French bread (cut into bite-size pieces and dried overnight)
• 3 eggs
• ³⁄₄ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Cut the loaf into bite-size pieces and let it dry overnight on a cookie sheet or pan.
   You can use parchment paper in the bottom too for easy release. (you can use the special pan made for IP too if you have it).
2. Spray the bottom and sides of your dish with nonstick baking spray.
3. Whisk the eggs and then add the milk, vanilla, sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon.
4. Add the dried bread pieces. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. Stirring occasionally to make sure every piece of bread gets into the milk mixture.
5. Dump the mixture into your prepared dish. Cover the dish really well with foil.
   I put a piece over the top and then also placed the dish on a piece of foil and brought the edges up around it. (This helps seal out the moisture while it is steaming).
6. Place your trivet that came with the Instant Pot in the bottom of the pot and pour 1 cup of water into the pot. Place your baking dish on top of the trivet. Place the lid on the instant pot and make sure the vent is turned to "seal".
7. Set manual and pressure to high for 40 minutes.
8. When the timer goes off cover the vent with a towel and quick release the steam.
9. Remove the dish carefully as it will be hot and remove the foil from the dish draining.
   Top with powdered sugar, cinnamon, homemade candied pecans, and whipped cream to make it extra yummy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 730kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 27g42%

Saturated Fat 9g45%

Cholesterol 195mg65%

Sodium 730mg31%

Total Carbohydrate 19g7%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 10g

Protein 97g194%

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Vitamin C 10 mg

Iron 12 mg

Vitamin E 8 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Cook this recipe at low heat.
• Use fresh ingredients for better taste
• After cooking, wait for at least 15 minutes for better taste

Keywords: home made, vegan, gluten free