15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing like a quick, satisfying dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen. This 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate weeknight savior, delivering a rich, garlicky sauce that perfectly coats tender pasta.

I stumbled upon this recipe one frantic Tuesday evening when I needed something fast but comforting. Now, it’s a staple in our home, and I bet it will be in yours too. Let’s dive in and see why this dish is a total game-changer!

Why You’ll Love This 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta

Get ready to fall head over heels for this dish! Whether you're cooking for yourself or serving a hungry family, this pasta ticks all the boxes.

First, it’s lightning-fast to prepare. From boiling the pasta to whipping up the creamy garlic sauce, you’ll have a plate of perfection in just 15 minutes. It's ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Second, the flavor is unbelievable. Fresh garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese combine to create a sauce that’s both simple and indulgent. It’s comfort food at its finest, without any unnecessary fuss.

Lastly, the ingredients are pantry staples. If you have pasta, garlic, cream, and a wedge of Parmesan, you’re already halfway there. No last-minute grocery runs needed!

Now that your mouth is watering, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a key role, and you likely already have them on hand!

Pasta: While spaghetti is a classic choice for this dish, feel free to use whatever you have in your pantry. Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work beautifully. The key is to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the sauce.

Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic is the star of the show. Aim for 4-5 cloves for a bold flavor, or adjust to your taste. Avoid jarred garlic for this recipe – the fresh stuff makes all the difference.

Butter: Salted or unsalted butter will work, but salted butter adds an extra layer of richness. It creates the base of the creamy sauce, giving it a silky texture.

Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must. Pre-grated versions don’t melt as smoothly, which could affect the sauce’s consistency.

Optional Additions: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh parsley can add a pop of color and extra flavor.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe, just a large pot for the pasta and a skillet for the sauce. Let’s move on to creating this creamy masterpiece!

How To Make This 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta

Making this pasta is as easy as it is quick. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Sauce Base: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it should be golden, not brown.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it thicken for about 2-3 minutes. Add a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it, a few tablespoons at a time.
5. Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta into bowls, garnish with additional Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

And just like that, dinner is served!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare with this dish!), they’re easy to store and reheat.

Refrigerator: Place the pasta in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: While cream-based sauces don’t freeze as well, you can freeze this pasta in individual portions. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to customize it:

1. Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
2. Go Green: Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking for a boost of color and nutrients.
3. Use Alternative Cheeses: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a slightly different flavor profile.
4. Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, the cream with coconut milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
5. Spice It Up: Amp up the heat with extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

With this 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe, you’re just moments away from a meal that’s equal parts comforting and impressive. Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s easy to make it your own. Let me know how it turns out – and don’t forget to share your favorite variations!

Print