Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Indulge in this quick and delicious creamy garlic pasta that brings comfort to your dinner table.

Ella Townsend

Created by

Ella Townsend

Last updated on 2025-12-22T22:27:34.901Z

This Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its rich garlic flavor and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich, creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find
  • Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
  • Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins

The Perfect Comfort Food

Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, delivering a rich and satisfying dish that warms the soul. The silky texture of the creamy sauce paired with the al dente pasta creates a delightful mouthfeel that is hard to resist. This dish is particularly perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something hearty and filling. With every bite, you’ll be transported to a cozy Italian trattoria, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Not only is this pasta dish delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily accommodate your personal preferences by adding a variety of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes. For those looking to up the protein content, grilled chicken or shrimp can be incorporated, making it a well-rounded meal that suits any palate.

A Quick Weeknight Meal

When time is of the essence, this creamy garlic pasta recipe comes to the rescue. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

This recipe is not only quick but also forgiving. If you find yourself missing an ingredient, such as Parmesan cheese, substitutions can often be made without compromising the flavor. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this pasta dish allows for creativity and adaptability, ensuring you can always whip up a satisfying meal with what you have on hand.

Make It Your Own

One of the best aspects of Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta is its customizability. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta to find your favorite combination. Whether you prefer spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, the sauce will cling beautifully to any shape. Additionally, this dish serves as a fantastic base for seasonal vegetables. Incorporating fresh produce not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds color and texture to the meal.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sautéed chili peppers to the sauce. This simple adjustment can elevate the dish and bring a delightful kick that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce. The ability to personalize this recipe makes it a family favorite, as everyone can tailor their plate to suit their own tastes.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delectable meal.

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta of your choice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your creamy garlic pasta.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Combine Ingredients

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Enjoy your creamy garlic pasta with a side salad or some crusty bread!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream? Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter version. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. You can also use alternatives like coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

What can I serve with this pasta? This creamy garlic pasta pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. A crusty loaf of garlic bread also makes for a perfect accompaniment, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store the creamy garlic pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently on the stove with a splash of water or additional cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Freezing this dish is not recommended due to the nature of the cream sauce, which may separate upon thawing. However, if you know you’ll have leftovers, consider preparing the pasta and sauce separately, combining them just before serving to maintain the best texture.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape will work well with this sauce.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Absolutely! Vegetables like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition.

Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta

Indulge in this quick and delicious creamy garlic pasta that brings comfort to your dinner table.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Ella Townsend

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 8 oz pasta of your choice
  2. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 1 cup heavy cream
  4. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  5. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 03

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 04

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 05

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 10g