Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food You’ll Make Again and Again
Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety, and bursting with savory garlic flavor. This simple yet elegant dish comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still feeling special enough for a cozy weekend dinner. Each bite delivers tender pasta coated in a silky Parmesan cream sauce that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Ingredients
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12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
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Use fresh garlic for the strongest flavor.
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Don’t boil the cream—gentle simmering keeps the sauce smooth.
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Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
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Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
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For a hint of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.