If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, this Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce rich with garlic, parmesan, and cream. The magic here lies in how simple ingredients come together quickly yet deliver incredible depth of flavor and satisfying creaminess that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a cozy homemade meal, this pasta recipe is an absolute winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving that perfectly smooth and flavorful sauce. Each element plays a crucial role in building the dish’s luscious texture, rich taste, and inviting aroma.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Linguine works beautifully here for its ability to hold the sauce, but any pasta you love will do.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds creaminess and a subtle richness that’s essential for the roux.
- 1 teaspoon flour: Thickens the sauce just right without making it heavy.
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced): The star flavor in this recipe, bringing aromatic depth and a mild kick.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Lightens up the sauce and adds nuanced savory notes.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The ingredient that transforms everything into a decadently creamy bliss.
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds that signature salty, nutty finish that makes a pasta sauce unforgettable.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that highlight all the other flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness at the end.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Start by boiling a well-salted pot of water and cooking the pasta just until it’s al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite. Properly cooked pasta is key because it holds the sauce better and provides the perfect texture balance with the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux
While the pasta nears completion, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This simple roux acts as the foundation for your sauce, thickening it and giving it that dreamy velvety mouthfeel without any clumps.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Chicken Broth
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant, then pour in the chicken broth. Simmer this combo briefly – it not only cooks the garlic to mellow its sharpness but also infuses the broth with wonderful garlicky flavor to enhance your sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cream
Whisk in the heavy cream and lower the heat slightly. Let the sauce cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens nicely and coats the back of a spoon. This step is where your sauce becomes decadently rich and creamy—the heart of this Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Season
Now, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smoothly incorporated. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. The parmesan adds an irresistible savory sharpness that balances the richness beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta and toss it into the skillet with your sauce, making sure each strand is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water helps loosen it up to just the right consistency. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra parmesan if you like.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, adding a bright contrast in both flavor and appearance. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can add warmth and complexity without stealing the spotlight from that creamy garlic sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, light sides to balance its richness. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread creates a complete and satisfying meal experience keeping your palate intrigued throughout.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in warmed shallow bowls and top with a generous mound of parmesan shavings and freshly ground black pepper. For a casual vibe, plate it family-style in a big skillet or large serving bowl so everyone can serve themselves and enjoy the communal joy of this delicious creamy garlic pasta recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce from separating, it’s best to give it a good stir and add a splash of cream or milk before reheating.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta is a bit tricky because cream-based sauces can separate. If you want to freeze, do so before adding the parmesan and toss in freshly grated cheese after reheating to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and adding a bit of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave if possible for the best texture retention.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for holding onto the sauce, feel free to use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne depending on what you have. The creamy sauce pairs well with almost any pasta shape.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth makes a great substitute that maintains the savory flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian. Just make sure to use a good-quality broth to enhance the sauce.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can try swapping heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use a vegan parmesan substitute. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary, but it’s still tasty!
How can I add protein to this pasta dish?
Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon are fantastic additions that complement the creamy garlic sauce beautifully and turn it into a heartier meal.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens more than you like, gradually stir in reserved pasta water or a splash of chicken broth as you toss the pasta to get the desired consistency without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and approachable—ready in about 15 minutes with ingredients you likely already have on hand. I promise that once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite in your kitchen rotation. So don’t wait—grab that garlic and parmesan and give this luscious, comforting pasta a whirl today. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and creamy garlic pasta made with a luscious parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. This recipe combines tender linguine with a buttery garlic-infused cream sauce, enhanced by chicken broth and parmesan cheese for a deliciously smooth and savory meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked linguine pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine pasta al dente according to package directions for about 8-10 minutes. Drain when ready, reserving some pasta water if needed.
- Make Roux: While the pasta is nearly done, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to form a smooth roux without browning.
- Add Garlic and Broth: Stir in the minced garlic and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for about 1 minute to meld flavors.
- Incorporate Cream: Whisk in the heavy cream and continue cooking for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste, blending well for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and toss it with the prepared sauce until thoroughly coated. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if you want to thin out the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Using fresh garlic enhances the flavor significantly over pre-minced garlic from jars.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich and thick.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency; the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Parmesan cheese is best freshly grated for optimal flavor and melting quality.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
