Creamy Garlic Pasta (Printable)
Enjoy a rich, velvety pasta with a luscious garlic cream sauce. Ideal for garlic enthusiasts and quick, delicious weeknight dining.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
→ Sauce
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 6 large garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
→ Garnish
11 - Additional grated Parmesan cheese
12 - Extra fresh parsley, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
02 - In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes aromatic but avoids browning to prevent bitterness.
03 - Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and allow it to cook for 3 to 4 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken.
04 - Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to stir until the Parmesan cheese has fully melted and the sauce achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
05 - Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to ensure every strand is thoroughly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is achieved.
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley, incorporating it evenly throughout the pasta and sauce.
07 - Portion the creamy garlic pasta onto serving plates immediately. Garnish generously with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Because it's a hug in a bowl, perfect for those nights when you need something comforting and delicious in a flash.
- You'll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal.
02 -
- Never brown your garlic; it turns bitter, so keep a watchful eye and a low-medium heat for that sweet, fragrant aroma.
- That reserved pasta water is liquid gold; it helps emulsify the sauce and bring it to the perfect consistency if it's too thick.
03 -
- Grating your own Parmesan from a block makes an enormous difference in flavor and meltability compared to pre-shredded.
- Don't overcook your pasta; al dente pasta has a better texture and absorbs the sauce more effectively.