Tasty Garlic Pasta Recipe: A Simple Delicacy for Your Family

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy garlic pasta that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Blending rich, velvety textures with robust garlic undertones, this signature garlic pasta delivers a symphony of flavors.

The simple yet sophisticated recipe transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious dining experience.

Each twirl of pasta carries a delicate balance of creamy sauce and aromatic garlic notes.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

The entire meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible pasta creation.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta Like a Pro

• Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until perfectly tender. Save a splash of pasta water before draining.

• Create Garlic Magic

Warm up a skillet and melt some butter. Toss in chopped garlic and let it dance around until it fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma.

• Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

Pour in cream and milk, then shower the pan with Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle in seasonings and let everything bubble and blend together. The sauce will start to thicken and look irresistibly smooth.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Tumble the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together, making sure each noodle gets a luxurious coating. If things look too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

• Finish and Feast

Shower the pasta with fresh chopped parsley and an extra handful of Parmesan. Serve piping hot and get ready to dive into pure comfort food bliss.

Tips to Boost the Flavor in Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Pasta Water Magic: Save some starchy pasta water to help sauce cling perfectly to noodles and adjust consistency smoothly.
• Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust garlic amount based on personal preference – use roasted garlic for milder flavor or raw minced garlic for sharper punch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea, rice, or quinoa pasta to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and transform this side dish into a complete meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, plant-based version suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.

Plating Creamy Garlic Pasta for Maximum Impact

• Pasta Party Platter: Serve this creamy garlic pasta as a centerpiece with a variety of complementary side dishes like crispy garlic bread, fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform the dish by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits on top to create a more substantial and protein-rich meal.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich, creamy flavors with a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the garlic and cheese notes of the pasta.
• Leftover Magic: Repurpose any remaining pasta by turning it into a cold pasta salad the next day, mixing in extra herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch option.

Keeping Creamy Garlic Pasta Delicious for Days

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The sauce might thicken when chilled, so gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Quick Lunch Prep: Transform this dish into a delicious next-day meal by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables for extra protein and nutrients.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: While cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, you can freeze the pasta for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly on the stovetop, stirring frequently.
• Portion Control Strategy: Divide the pasta into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Keep garnishes like fresh parsley separate until serving to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

Creamy Garlic Pasta Ingredient Rundown

• Pasta: Select high-quality pasta that holds sauce well, preferably short shapes like penne or fusilli for maximum creamy coverage.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing pasta's natural flavor and seasoning water thoroughly.

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation for sauce with deep, luxurious undertones.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic punch and creates foundational flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures silky, luxurious texture and creates smooth sauce consistency.
• Milk: Lightens sauce and helps achieve perfect creamy balance.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty complexity and helps thicken sauce naturally.

• Salt: Balances and amplifies overall dish flavor.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and aromatic depth.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal Mediterranean notes and complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers optional gentle spiciness and warm undertone.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh finish and visual appeal.

Kitchen Gear for Smooth Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough water.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Large skillet: Perfect for creating creamy garlic sauce.
• Whisk: Helps blend cream and cheese smoothly.
• Measuring cups: For accurate cream and milk measurements.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping fresh parsley.
• Sharp knife: Helps mince garlic and chop parsley.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing pasta in sauce.

Silky Garlic Pasta Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delightful Creamy Garlic Pasta delivers pure comfort with Italian-inspired flavors. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevate this simple yet elegant dish you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (226 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half & half)
• ¾ cup (75 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, following package instructions precisely.
2. Skillet Foundation: Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, developing a light golden color. Introduce minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Sauce Creation: Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, whisking in Parmesan cheese to create a velvety smooth base. Enhance with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.
4. Pasta Integration: Carefully transfer cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce, using tongs to ensure comprehensive coating. Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Final Flourish: Elevate the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and an additional layer of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, ensuring maximum flavor and temperature are preserved.

Notes

• Adjust Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just shy of package instructions to maintain perfect al dente consistency, preventing mushiness when combined with creamy sauce.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Gradually add reserved pasta water to customize sauce viscosity, ensuring smooth, clingy coating without becoming too runny or overly thick.
• Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté garlic quickly over medium heat, stirring constantly to release flavor without scorching, which creates bitter undertones and ruins sauce quality.
• Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Substitute heavy cream with lighter alternatives like half-and-half or plant-based cream for lower-fat versions; use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 442
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 285 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg