Description
Creamy Garlic Pasta is a warm and comforting dish featuring tender pasta coated with a rich, silky garlic cream sauce. Simple yet indulgent, this recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. It combines basic pantry ingredients to deliver a flavorful, garlicky pasta that is easily customizable to suit various diets and tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced fresh garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly, then allow it to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Parmesan and Combine: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and forms a velvety sauce.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to ensure every noodle is coated evenly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water in small amounts to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley or basil over the pasta and serve immediately while warm and comforting.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered versions.
- Do not overcook the garlic; sauté just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- Freshly grate the Parmesan cheese for superior melting and flavor.
- Serve the dish immediately, as creamy sauces thicken upon standing and taste best fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg