Name: Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup flour; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup milk

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Creamy Garlic Pasta is a dish that shines with simplicity and comfort, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The silky sauce, rich with the flavor of garlic and a touch of cream, envelops al dente pasta to create a dish that’s both satisfying and utterly delicious. Its warmth is like a hug on a plate, drawing you in with an aromatic bouquet of sautéed garlic mingling with buttery goodness. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner

Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner

What truly makes this creamy garlic pasta a winner is its easy preparation combined with the universally loved flavors that appeal to young and old alike. You can transform just a handful of ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience on the dinner table without breaking a sweat or your budget. With options to customize to your taste, this dish is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this dish in just 30 minutes with minimal effort!
Irresistible Flavor: Experience the creamy, garlicky goodness that dances on your palate.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its creamy sheen and fresh herbs make it a visual feast.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a casual family dinner or an indulgent date night at home.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegetarians or lightened up with low-fat options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 oz fettuccine pasta: A staple for creamy sauces, this pasta holds the sauce beautifully. You can substitute it with any pasta shape you love, like penne or spaghetti.
4 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient that gives this dish its delectable flavor. Freshly minced garlic is always recommended, but you can use jarred minced garlic if you’re in a hurry.
1 cup heavy cream: This creates the rich, smooth sauce. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can work, though the texture will be less decadent.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Opt for freshly grated for the best melt and flavor, or use pre-grated if that’s what you have.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For that luscious mouthfeel and rich taste. You can replace it with olive oil for a lighter option.
Salt and black pepper to taste: These are essential for seasoning. Don’t forget to taste as you go!
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also use basil or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner

Cook Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce later if needed.

Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted and bubbly, add 4 minced garlic cloves into the pan. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic, which can turn bitter.

Add Cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Stir gently, allowing the cream to come to a simmer. This step is where the magic happens; it will gradually thicken and become creamy as it heats.

Incorporate Cheese: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream, stirring continuously until it melts and blends perfectly into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Season: Taste the sauce and season it with salt and black pepper. Start with a pinch and adjust according to your preference. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can elevate the dish even more!

Combine Pasta: Add the drained fettuccine directly into the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated in that rich, luscious sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the creamy garlic pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while it’s warm, paired with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover creamy garlic pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the garlic to prevent bitterness.
Ensure your pasta water is well-salted for added flavor throughout the dish.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
If you want more texture, consider adding some sautéed vegetables or cooked chicken.
Experiment with herbs; thyme or oregano can add a unique touch!

Creamy garlic pasta is not just a meal—it’s an experience! It offers a blend of flavors that can easily be adjusted to suit your cravings or whatever you have on hand. The silky creaminess wraps around the pasta in a comforting embrace that warms your heart. Feel free to make it your own with different herbs or proteins. I know you’ll love it just as much as I do!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a cashew-based cream. For the cheese, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How can I thicken my sauce more?

If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer to reduce it, or you can whisk in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. This helps create a nice, creamy consistency without altering the flavor.

What kind of pasta is best for creamy sauces?

Fettuccine is great because its flat shape holds the sauce well. However, options like penne or rigatoni work beautifully too, providing different textures if you’re looking to mix things up.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Certainly! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms can elevate your creamy garlic pasta. Just cook the protein separately and add it in when combining the pasta with the sauce for a complete meal.

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