Looking for a quick, comforting, and indulgent pasta dish that can be made in just under 30 minutes? This Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the answer! With its velvety, garlicky sauce and rich parmesan flavor, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner or a fancy dish to impress your guests. The creamy sauce coats every bite of pasta, making it an irresistible treat that’s hard to beat.

I created this recipe when I was craving something creamy yet simple. The combination of garlic and parmesan with a touch of cream creates the perfect sauce that’s rich, savory, and comforting. This pasta has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit in yours too!

The best part about this recipe? It’s super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for extra protein and flavor, or keep it simple and enjoy the creamy goodness as is.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Selling Points:

• Creamy and Savory: The combination of garlic, cream, and parmesan creates a rich and flavorful sauce that envelops the pasta.
  
• Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of hands-on time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta dish in no time.
  
• Comfort Food: This pasta is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for cozy nights when you need something satisfying.
  
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, protein, or even swap the pasta for a gluten-free option.
  
• Versatile: Ideal as a side dish or a main course, this pasta can be served alongside chicken, steak, or your favorite salad.
  

What You’ll Need for Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
  
• Salt, for the pasta water
  

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1 cup heavy cream
  
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
  
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
  

How to Make Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, or until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
   
2. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
   
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet with the garlic and bring it to a simmer. Stir frequently for about 3-4 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
   
4. Add the Parmesan: Lower the heat and slowly add the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste.
   
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
   
6. Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta between serving plates, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy!
   

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic can become bitter if overcooked, so be sure to sauté it just until fragrant, not brown.
  
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated cheese and gives the sauce a smoother texture.
  
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the cream cook a little longer to reduce. If it’s too thick, add more reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  
• Add Protein or Veggies: For added protein, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon bits. You can also toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use vegan parmesan for a dairy-free version.
  
• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter, dairy-free cream, and vegan parmesan cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
  
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give this dish a spicy twist.

Closing for your Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

And that’s it! A rich, creamy, and irresistibly delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta that’s perfect for any night of the week. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ve created a comforting dish that’s full of flavor. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and quick to make. Enjoy every creamy bite!

Frequently Asked Questions closing for your Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like—spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta will work great.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce is best made fresh, as it thickens over time. However, you can store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove with a little extra cream to loosen it up.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, as the cream sauce can change in texture after freezing. If you do freeze it, the sauce may separate, but you can try reheating it with a bit more cream to help bring it back together.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or roasted tomatoes all work wonderfully with this creamy pasta.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.

Can I make it lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a combination of Greek yogurt and chicken broth for a healthier take on the sauce.

How can I make the sauce richer?
For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese to the sauce. This will make it even more decadent and creamy!

This Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a perfect go-to recipe for any time you’re craving comfort food. With its rich, garlicky flavor and creamy texture, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and indulge in a bowl of creamy pasta goodness!

Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, etc.)

• Salt, for the pasta water

• For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, or until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
• Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet with the garlic and bring it to a simmer. Stir frequently for about 3-4 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
• Add the Parmesan: Lower the heat and slowly add the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste.
• Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
• Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta between serving plates, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy!