20 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about twirling strands of creamy pasta around a fork, and this recipe delivers just that—a silky, garlicky hug in a bowl that’s perfect for indulging after a long day.

I love to create quick but full-flavored dishes, and My 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta is the perfect example. Using fettuccine, I whip up a sauce with rich heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan and butter, then add garlic and a hint of red pepper to round it all out.

This is a busy weeknight meal that screams comfort with its creamy, dreamy texture and deep savory taste.

Ingredients

• Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy; versatile base.
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Garlic: Boosts immunity; adds aromatic depth.
• Heavy cream: Rich source of fat; creates silky sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds umami; source of protein and calcium.
• Parsley: Fresh herbaceous flavor; adds color and vitamins.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional heat; boosts metabolism.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

How to Make this

1. Cook the Pasta:
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Melt Butter:
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Sauté Garlic:
Introduce the minced garlic into the skillet and fry for approximately 1 minute, or until it emits a fragrance, while taking care to ensure that it does not burn.

4. Add Cream:
Add the whipping cream and stir to mix with the garlic and butter. Let it come to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.

5. Incorporate Cheese:
Lower the heat to low. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Season:
To the sauce, add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and stir to incorporate.

7. Combine Pasta:
Incorporate the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly so that the pasta is enveloped by the creamy sauce. If the mixture is too viscous, add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.

8. Simmer:
Allow the sauce and the pasta to simmer together for 2-3 minutes so that the sauce can taste the way it is meant to and the sauce can taste the way it is meant to.

9. Adjust Seasoning
If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as you like.

10. Garnish and Serve:
Take the dish off of the heat, sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley, and serve at once. Enjoy this creamy garlic pasta!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Skillet
3. Colander
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Whisk
8. Chef’s knife
9. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Indeed, you can replace the pasta with any other shape you have lying around, although their cooking times might differ.
• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?Merely employing pasta lacking in gluten and guaranteeing that your additional components are devoid of gluten suffices.
• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?Substitute dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk for the cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan. Yes, do this.
• Can I add in vegetables or protein?Certainly, you are able to incorporate cooked vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms, and proteins such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
• How can I make the sauce thicker?Let the sauce simmer a little longer until it reduces, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
• What if I don’t have fresh parsley?Although dried parsley can be used, the flavor is brighter when fresh herbs are utilized.
• Can the spice level be adjusted?Certainly, feel free to adjust the quantity of red pepper flakes to suit your personal taste. If it appeals to you, make it milder or spicier as you wish.

20 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can swap in fettuccine or linguine, or any other pasta you have on hand, for spaghetti.
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version instead of using heavy cream.
If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, switch out the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
Use dried parsley instead and reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon if fresh parsley isn’t available.
Unsalted butter can be replaced with olive oil for a similar effect. Salted butter can also be used, but adjust the additional salt in the recipe.

Pro Tips

1. For even more flavor, consider adding a dash of freshly grated nutmeg to the cream sauce when you incorporate the Parmesan cheese. Nutmeg complements creamy dishes beautifully.

2. To enhance the flavor of the garlic, consider roasting the cloves in the oven first. Roasted garlic adds a deeper, slightly sweeter taste compared to raw minced garlic.

3. Adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic can add depth to the sauce. Allow the wine to reduce slightly before adding the cream.

4. If you want a bit of texture, toast some breadcrumbs in butter with a pinch of salt and sprinkle them on top of the finished dish for a crunchy contrast.

5. For a protein boost, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms to the pasta. Sauté these separately before adding the cream for more complex flavors.