If you love rich, comforting dishes that come together quickly and deliver big flavor, this Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. It transforms simple pantry staples into a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti, marrying the irresistible aroma of garlic with the indulgent richness of Parmesan and cream. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or inviting friends over, this recipe promises a warm, satisfying meal that feels both special and effortlessly easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is simple but plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that beautiful creamy color. Gathering these essentials ensures every bite is perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps gently sauté the garlic without burning it.
- Garlic cloves, minced: The star of the dish, delivering a fragrant and savory base.
- Butter: Enriches the sauce with luscious creaminess and helps meld flavors together.
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory depth and the liquid needed to cook the pasta right in the sauce.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick and warmth that balances the richness.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta shape that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, salty sharpness and helps thicken the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature smooth and silky texture.
- Dried parsley: Adds a touch of color and fresh herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until its aroma fills the kitchen, being careful not to let it brown or turn bitter.
Step 2: Add Butter and Broth
Next, stir the butter into the skillet, letting it melt and mingle with the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth along with salt and pepper, raising the heat so the mixture comes to a gentle boil, setting the stage for perfectly cooked pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Broth
Place the uncooked spaghetti straight into the bubbling broth. Lower the heat to a simmer and stir occasionally, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavorful liquid and cook to an ideal al dente texture in about 10 to 12 minutes. This method infuses every strand with taste and prevents the sauce from being watery.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan, Cream, and Parsley
Once the pasta is tender and most of the broth absorbed, turn the heat down low. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and dried parsley, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy, coating the pasta in a silky embrace.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
The best way to enjoy this Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is fresh from the stove while the sauce is warm and silky. Add extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of parsley on top if you want to take the presentation up a notch instantly.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A little goes a long way when garnishing this dish. Freshly chopped parsley gives a lovely green pop and herbaceous hint, while additional Parmesan lends an extra cheesy punch. You can also drizzle a touch of good-quality olive oil for gloss and richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with crisp, bright sides that contrast its creaminess. A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus and cherry tomatoes perfectly balance the meal. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices also make wonderful companions to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe in individual bowls topped with delicate herb sprigs and a drizzle of chili oil for a subtle kick. If you’re meal prepping, portion it into clear containers layered with fresh herbs for a meal that looks just as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover creamy garlic pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so a little stirring and gentle reheating will bring back its creamy charm.
Freezing
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to two months. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. When thawed, expect the texture to be slightly softer but still delicious when reheated carefully.
Reheating
Rewarm your creamy garlic pasta gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce feels too thick. Microwaving is okay but do so in short bursts to avoid overheating and breaking the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully here, feel free to try fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just remember to adjust cooking time slightly if needed to keep the pasta al dente.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and the recipe remains just as flavorful and creamy without compromising on taste.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit more Parmesan or reduce the broth slightly before adding cream. For a thinner sauce, stir in additional cream, broth, or a splash of milk during cooking.
Can I add protein to this Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits complement the creamy garlic sauce beautifully and turn the dish into a more filling meal.
What’s the best way to keep the garlic from burning?
Keep your heat medium to medium-low when sautéing the garlic and stir frequently. Garlic cooks very quickly and burns easily, which makes it bitter, so watch it carefully until fragrant but not browned.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of creamy, garlicky pasta that feels homemade yet indulgent. This Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe strikes that perfect balance between easy and elegant, making it a wonderful dish to share with family or friends any day of the week. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved go-to, just like it is in my kitchen!
Print
Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy garlic pasta is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender spaghetti cooked directly in a flavorful garlic-infused chicken broth, finished with rich Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a touch of parsley for a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients to create a luscious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ lb spaghetti
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1½ tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Butter and Broth: Stir in the butter until melted, then pour in the chicken broth along with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine flavors.
- Cook Spaghetti: Add the uncooked spaghetti to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Finish Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and dried parsley. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Make sure to stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
- Add extra chicken broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it is fully cooked.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will yield a smoother sauce.
- This recipe can be made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth.
