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Close-up of a delicious plate of Creamy Garlic Pasta, showcasing its rich sauce and perfectly cooked noodles.

Creamy Garlic Pasta Easy

This creamy garlic pasta recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that's quick to prepare. The key to its success lies in using pasta water to create a stable and flavorful emulsion, resulting in a luscious sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the reserved pasta water, being mindful to avoid splattering. Simmer for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Do not boil.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Salt the pasta water generously to season the pasta from the inside out. Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best results. Maintain low heat throughout the sauce-making process to prevent the dairy from curdling. Adjust the sauce consistency with additional pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy, flowing texture. For a richer flavor, add a small amount of Pecorino Romano cheese along with the Parmesan. To make it a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, add some chicken