15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of creamy garlic pasta filling your kitchen. This quick and easy recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, combining rich, creamy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta in just 15 minutes.

I first discovered this recipe when I needed a speedy dinner option that didn’t skimp on flavor. It’s become my go-to for those hectic evenings when everyone’s hungry, and time is short. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!

Why You'll Love This 15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the perfect weeknight dinner. This creamy garlic pasta isn’t just fast and flavorful—it’s a true kitchen hero.

First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and one pot, you’ll have dinner ready in record time, leaving you more moments to unwind after a long day.

The flavor is unbeatable. The creamy garlic sauce is rich and velvety, with just the right amount of garlicky goodness to satisfy your taste buds without overwhelming the dish.

It’s budget-friendly and uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand. No need for fancy ingredients or expensive shopping trips—this recipe keeps things simple.

Best of all, it’s endlessly adaptable. You can easily add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp or toss in some fresh veggies to make it a complete meal. It’s a great way to use up what you’ve got in the fridge!

Now that you’re sold, let’s break down what you’ll need to make it happen.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this creamy garlic pasta lies in its simplicity. With a few high-quality ingredients, you’ll achieve restaurant-worthy results in your own kitchen.

Pasta: Use your favorite pasta shape for this dish. Spaghetti or linguine are classics, but penne or farfalle work wonderfully too. Short on time? Angel hair cooks even faster!

Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, aromatic flavor. Mince it finely or use a garlic press for convenience. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two.

Butter and Olive Oil: This combination creates a flavorful base for the sauce. Butter adds richness, while olive oil prevents it from becoming too heavy.

Heavy Cream: This is the key to the dish’s luxurious texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or even a mix of milk and cream, but the sauce will be thinner.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for its meltability and robust flavor. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, as they don’t melt as smoothly.

Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings enhance the flavors of the sauce. Adjust to taste, but don’t be shy—salt is essential for bringing out the best in creamy dishes.

You’ll also need a large skillet or saucepan for preparing the sauce and a pot for cooking the pasta. With these items ready, you’re all set to begin.

How To Make This 15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Creating this creamy garlic pasta is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these steps for a foolproof dinner in no time.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add your pasta and cook according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, you’ll prepare the sauce.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with a drizzle of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned—this step releases all that wonderful garlic aroma.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Once it’s heated through, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the starchy cooking water. Toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, using tongs to coat it thoroughly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. From start to finish, you’ll have dinner ready in just 15 minutes.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), this creamy garlic pasta stores well for later.

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent separation.

This dish doesn’t freeze well, as the cream sauce may break and become grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but a quick stint in the fridge won’t hurt!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this creamy garlic pasta is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Add Protein: Toss in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute.

Feel free to get creative! This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary imagination.

There you have it—a quick, creamy, and utterly delicious garlic pasta recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love!

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