There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of a rich, creamy garlic sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta. In the image, whole garlic cloves are being added to a luscious cream sauce over spaghetti, setting the stage for a garlic lover’s dream dish. This Creamy Garlic Pasta is easy to make, indulgent, and packed with robust flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Creamy and Rich: The combination of garlic and cream creates a velvety sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Perfect for Garlic Lovers: With whole garlic cloves used, this recipe delivers bold garlic flavor.
- Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great go-to meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
For 4 servings of creamy garlic pasta, you’ll need:
- 300g (10 oz) spaghetti or your pasta of choice
- 6-8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed (as seen in the image)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The garlic should become fragrant and start to turn golden brown, but avoid burning it.
Pro Tip: If you want a milder garlic flavor, you can lightly crush the garlic cloves and remove them from the sauce after sautéing.
3. Add the Cream
Once the garlic is golden and fragrant, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, and let the cream heat through for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Stir in Parmesan and Season
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it melts into the sauce. Season with black pepper and salt to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy garlic sauce until fully coated. If necessary, add a bit more pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
6. Serve
Once the pasta is well coated, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy garlic pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Cook’s Notes:
- Adjusting Garlic Intensity: If you love garlic, keep the cloves in the sauce for bold flavor. For a subtler taste, you can remove the garlic cloves after sautéing.
- Cheese Options: If you don’t have Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese for a slightly different flavor.
- Adding Protein: You can easily make this a more complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even mushrooms to the dish.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: For a lighter version, you can substitute whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. You might also need to add a bit of flour to help thicken it.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Q: What type of pasta works best?
A: While spaghetti is a classic choice, you can use any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine. Short pastas like penne or rigatoni also work well, as they hold the creamy sauce in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Pasta is an easy yet indulgent dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe delivers a rich and comforting meal that’s bursting with garlic flavor. Serve it as is or add your favorite proteins or vegetables for a complete meal!
