Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta

Name: Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Easy Food Favorites

I absolutely adore this Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe! It's become a staple in my kitchen because it's quick to whip up and bursting with flavor. The creamy sauce, enriched with garlic, coats each strand of pasta beautifully. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish checks all the boxes—simplicity, taste, and comfort. I can almost guarantee you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-02-24T05:13:36.603Z

When I first tried making this Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. The combination of garlic and cream felt so simple, yet it promised a flavor explosion. After a couple of tweaks, I nailed it! The trick is to let the garlic sauté until it's fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness, creating a luscious sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.

This recipe quickly became one of my go-to meals. What I love most is how customizable it is—add vegetables or protein as per your preference, and it transforms into a hearty dish. I often toss in some spinach or grilled chicken, making it feel like a gourmet dinner without the fuss!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Luxuriously creamy texture that envelops the pasta
Garlic flavor that is rich yet balanced
Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy days

Perfecting the Garlic Flavor

The magic of this Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta lies in the garlic. To achieve the best flavor, use fresh garlic cloves instead of pre-minced or jarred options. When sautéing, aim for a medium heat to slowly release the oils without burning them. You'll notice a lovely aroma wafting through the kitchen after just 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic; as soon as it turns golden, it’s ready for the next step.

If you love a strong garlic punch, consider adding an extra clove or two. Alternatively, if you're looking to tone it down, you can sauté the garlic for a shorter time. Remember that adding minced garlic to the heavy cream later in the recipe can further mellow its intensity, giving you that perfect balance without overwhelming the dish.

Making the Sauce Just Right

When combining the heavy cream with the sautéed garlic, keep the heat low. This prevents the cream from scalding, which can lead to a grainy texture instead of that silky, smooth finish you're after. Stir constantly and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and clings to your pasta beautifully.

As you mix in the Parmesan cheese, be sure to use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-packaged. Freshly grated cheese melts better, ensuring a creamier sauce. If the sauce is not thick enough for your liking, let it simmer a bit longer. If it becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency, stirring it in gradually.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This creamy garlic pasta can be easily customized. For added protein, consider tossing in grilled chicken or shrimp. If you're in the mood for some greens, sautéed spinach or peas make excellent additions, bringing in color and nutrients. Just make sure to incorporate these during the last few minutes of mixing the pasta and sauce together to keep them vibrant.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. If you're looking to make this dish vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and leave out the Parmesan or replace it with a nutritional yeast blend.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

300g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Now that you have everything, let’s get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Combine Everything

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Mix with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your delicious plate of Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta!

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, sauté some chopped onions with the garlic. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Tips for Cooking Pasta Perfectly

To achieve the ideal al dente texture, ensure your water is rapidly boiling and generously salted. Adding salt at this stage enhances the pasta's flavor immensely. You'll want to cook the pasta just until firm but not mushy—typically, that’s around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta used. Remember to taste the pasta a minute before the package suggests to avoid overcooking.

Always reserve some pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency. This starchy water not only thins the sauce but also helps it adhere better to the pasta, creating that luscious coating we all love.

Storing and Reheating

Storing your Easy Creamy Garlic Pasta is simple. Place it in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it cools due to the cream and cheese solidifying. When it’s time to eat again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, and adding a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, consider preparing the sauce and pasta separately. Store each in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy and allows you to enjoy that fresh, creamy texture when you’re ready to dig in!

Flavor Enhancements

Consider elevating the flavor profile of your creamy garlic pasta with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. This adds brightness and balances the richness of the sauce. Alternatively, for a bit of heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic, adjusting the amount to suit your spice preference.

Experimenting with fresh herbs can also transform this dish. Basil, thyme, or even a sprinkle of oregano folded into the sauce can add depth and complexity, making this simple recipe feel even more special. A final touch of freshly cracked black pepper will complement the garlic beautifully!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This sauce works well with any pasta type, such as penne or fusilli.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter version.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Consider adding sautéed spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.