This simple Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe creates a luxurious, quick weeknight meal. It features pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, copious amounts of garlic, and fresh Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Spaghetti or pasta of choice | 300g (10 oz) |
| Garlic cloves, peeled and smashed | 6-8 |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Heavy cream | 1 1/2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Black pepper, ground | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional) | For garnish |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | For heat |
How To Make Creamy Garlic Pasta:
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Step 2: Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 3: Add the Cream: Once the garlic is golden, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, and let the cream heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Season: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it melts into the sauce. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and salt to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce:Â Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy garlic sauce until fully coated. If necessary, add a bit more pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Step 6: Serve: Once the pasta is well coated, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy garlic pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.