Irresistibly Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe Ready in a Flash

Whipping up a delectable creamy garlic pasta in just fifteen minutes sounds like a culinary miracle for busy home cooks.

Weeknight dinner challenges melt away with this simple yet luxurious recipe.

Smooth, velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta, creating a comforting meal that feels gourmet without complex techniques.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum flavor, proving that quick cooking can be incredibly satisfying.

Fresh garlic provides a robust backbone of taste, while cream adds richness that makes you feel pampered.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence.

Let’s transform those pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Keeping 15-Minute Garlic Pasta Fresh

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the pasta separate from any additional garnishes like fresh parsley to maintain its texture.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape like fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Just ensure cooking times match the specific pasta type.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lower-fat version. You can also use less butter or a lighter cheese.

• How can I add more protein to this pasta dish?

Quickly sauté chicken, shrimp, or add cooked bacon bits to the pasta for extra protein. Grilled or rotisserie chicken works great as a quick addition.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with pecorino romano, asiago, or nutritional yeast for a similar tangy, savory flavor. Each alternative will slightly change the dish’s taste profile.

15-Minute Garlic Pasta to Savor

• Speed Demon Meal: Conquer dinner in mere minutes with this lightning-fast pasta recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, dreamy dish.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create restaurant-quality comfort food using just a handful of pantry staples, proving you don't need complicated groceries to make something delicious.
• Comfort Food Champion: Indulge in a rich, velvety sauce that hugs every pasta strand, delivering pure culinary satisfaction without complex cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for picky eaters and sophisticated palates alike, this versatile pasta pleases everyone at the dinner table with its crowd-pleasing flavors.

Ingredients List for 15-Minute Garlic Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that creates the foundation of this quick and delicious dish.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers a luxurious and velvety texture to the pasta sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the pasta.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green finishing touch to the dish.

How to Make 15-Minute Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package directions.

Before draining, scoop out a cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta completely.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature. Melt butter until it starts to shimmer.

Add finely chopped garlic and cook until it releases a fragrant aroma, about 60 seconds.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Pour heavy cream into the skillet with sautéed garlic.

Stir gently and let the mixture simmer softly for 2-3 minutes. The cream will start to bubble slightly and thicken.

Step 4: Build Flavor Profile

Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the cream sauce. Continuously stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in reserved pasta water gradually to reach a silky consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer cooked pasta directly into the skillet.

Use tongs or a pasta spoon to toss and coat every single noodle with the luxurious garlic cream sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the creamy pasta immediately while hot.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness if desired.

Tips to Bring Out the Best in 15-Minute Garlic Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor intensity.
• Adjust sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, preventing it from becoming too runny or too thick.
• Crush garlic just before cooking to release maximum aromatic oils and enhance overall taste.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream and use less butter.
• Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this simple pasta into a complete meal.

Flavorful Ideas for 15-Minute Garlic Pasta

• Vegan Cream Sensation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Garlic Delight: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour.
• Protein Power Pasta: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes to transform the dish into a more substantial meal with extra protein.
• Herb-Infused Classic: Enhance the sauce by incorporating fresh basil, thyme, or roasted red pepper flakes for an aromatic and slightly spicy kick.

What to Enjoy with 15-Minute Garlic Pasta

• Rustic Italian Family Dinner: Serve this creamy garlic pasta as a hearty main course with crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform the pasta into a brunch dish by topping it with a soft-poached egg and extra Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and satisfying morning meal.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Enhance the pasta by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta to make it a more substantial and protein-packed dinner option.
• Fresh Herb Garden Touch: Sprinkle a mix of fresh chopped herbs like basil, chives, and oregano over the pasta just before serving to add brightness and extra layers of flavor.

Quick Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Garlic lovers will adore this quick 15-minute creamy garlic pasta that brings Italian comfort to your dinner table. Rich parmesan and silky sauce combine for a simple yet luxurious meal you can savor in mere moments.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente, following package guidelines. Carefully set aside 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature. Melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant, then introduce minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, whisking gently to create a smooth mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer softly for 2-3 minutes, developing rich depth of flavor.
4. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a velvety, luxurious consistency. If the sauce appears too dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a silky texture.
5. Transfer cooked pasta directly into the creamy skillet. Gently toss and fold the noodles, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly coated with the decadent garlic sauce.
6. Plate immediately while piping hot. Optional: Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch of color and additional flavor complexity.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version that still maintains creamy texture.
• Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to transform this simple pasta into a complete meal.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Enhance flavor by toasting garlic slightly longer for deeper, nuttier undertones that complement the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 690 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 47 g
• Saturated Fat: 28 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg