15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

This creamy garlic pasta recipe is decadent, silky and big on flavor! Whether you want a speedy weeknight dinner that’s comforting or something to impress guests who are coming over for an elegant dish, this pasta recipe delivers.

You might enjoy my Creamy Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta Sauce or Buffalo Wild Wings CrockPot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta next!

Why you’ll love it

• Ever Creamiest Garlic Sauce — Our garlic-infused sauce lovingly coats each strand of pasta for that decadent, restaurant-style vibe right at home.
• Simple to Prepare — With a few simple ingredients and little prep work, you can make this dish and on your table in less than 30 minutes, this is so easy for your busy week night!
• Versatile & Customizable – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggies to make this satisfy, comforting pasta your go-to meal for any occasion.

What you’ll need

This basic dish calls for only a few ingredients. Here are the major items you'll need:

• Pasta — For this recipe i'm using spaghetti pasta, but you are free to choose your prefered pasta shape.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic makes for deep, aromatic flavor. Minced or finely chopped is best.
• Heavy Cream — This is what makes the sauce creamy and luxurious. Half-and-half will also do in a lighter pinch.
• Parmesan Cheese — For a rich, nutty flavor and to help thicken the sauce. Freshly grated is best.
• Butter — Adds richness, and mixes nicely with the garlic.
• Olive Oil – Enough to sauté the garlic without burning it.
• Salt & Pepper – This is a must. It brings out all the flavors in the dish.
• Parsley — Chopped parsley brightens up the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – A few pinches give it a slight kick, if you enjoy some heat.

How to make creamy garlic pasta

This is a summary with detailed pictures. The recipe card below contains all of the ingredients and instructions.

1. Cook the Pasta – In a large pot salted water boil. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, cooking until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic – In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the butter and olive oil. Then add the minced garlic and sauté constantly until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn it.

3. Make the Sauce – Add in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring it to a simmer for 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors. Next, add the shredded parmesan cheese in stages, mixing continuously until blended and creamy.
4. Season & Adjust Consistency – Add in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). If the sauce is too stiff, mix in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s where you want it.
5. Add pasta — add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Give it another minute to cook, letting the pasta soak up the flavors.

Substitutions and variations

• Pasta – A healthy whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta would be the healthier option
• Heavy Cream — Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. For a non-dairy option, use coconut milk or cashew cream.
• Protein Boost – Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for added flavor and heartiness.
• Veggie Twist — Add spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes or roasted bell peppers to introduce more texture and nutrients.
• Spicy Kick — Use more red pepper flakes or add a sprinkle of cayenne for added heat.

What to serve with creamy garlic pasta

• It's a great meatless main course. Serve it with a side salad like my Italian Grinder Salad and some fresh crusty bread as my Outback Steakhouse Bread or Crispy Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich. You can also try it with spring mix and a Creamy Pesto Dressing or Homemade Olive Garden Dressing.
• This pasta is a fantastic accompaniment to my Oven Baked Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts, Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs, or Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe and EASY Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe.

Leftovers and storage

• Refrigeration – Keep any extra creamy garlic pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 3 days.
• Reheat — Heat in a skillet over low heat adding a little splash of milk or cream or reserved pasta water to regain creaminess. Stir often until warmed through.
• Microwave Method – Into a bowl, heat in bursts of 30 seconds, mixing in between and completing with a splash of liquid if it looks to be drying up.
• Freezing – You can freeze it, but it’s not the best approach because the creamy sauce may break when thawed. If you freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month then reheat gently with a little added cream.

Recipe FAQ

If you tried this 15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!

More Pasta Recipes

• Zesty Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
• Ranch Pasta Salad
• Buffalo Wild Wings CrockPot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
• The Best Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
• The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
• Easy 20 Minute Canned Tuna Pasta
• Easy Lemon Garlic Pasta
• Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
• Quick & Easy Gouda Mac and Cheese
• Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
• Easy Homemade Cajun Chicken Alfredo Sauce (Creamy Recipe)
• Easy Boursin Pasta 
• Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese 
• Creamy Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta Sauce (High Protein!)
• Easy Canned Tuna Pasta (Ready in 15 Minutes!)

Recipe

Creamy Garlic Pasta

This creamy garlic pasta recipe is decadent, silky and big on flavor! Whether you want a speedy weeknight dinner that’s comforting or something to impress guests who are coming over for an elegant dish, this pasta recipe delivers.

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Course: dinner, Main Course, main dish, pasta, quick and easy

Cuisine: American, Italian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 5 servings

Calories: 493kcal

Author: Imsen

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INGREDIENTS

• ▢ 8 oz 225g pasta – Linguini, spaghetti or penne all work well.
• ▢ 4 tbsp  butter — Unsalted for more control over seasoning.
• ▢ 4 cloves garlic – Minced or finely chopped for depth of flavor
• ▢ ⅔ cup 160ml full fat cream — For a rich, creamy consistency.
• ▢ ½ cup 50g parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is always best.
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper brush on — For a mild kick.
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes  optional – For some spice.
• ▢ ¼ cup/60ml reserved pasta water – To adjust the consistency of the sauce.
• ▢ 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped — For garnish and freshness.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Cook the Pasta – In a large pot salted water boil. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, cooking until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
• Sauté the Garlic – In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the butter and olive oil. Then add the minced garlic and sauté constantly until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn it.
• Make the Sauce – Add in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring it to a simmer for 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors. Next, add the shredded parmesan cheese in stages, mixing continuously until blended and creamy.
• Season & Adjust Consistency – Add in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). If the sauce is too stiff, mix in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s where you want it.
• Add pasta — add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Give it another minute to cook, letting the pasta soak up the flavors.

NUTRITION

Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 297mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1060IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 205mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword Creamy Garlic Pasta, Galic Butter Pasta

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