15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing like a quick, satisfying meal when life gets busy, and this 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta fits the bill perfectly. Imagine al dente pasta coated in a velvety garlic-infused sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy. This dish is so good, it feels like a restaurant-quality meal without ever leaving your kitchen.

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe on a frantic evening when time was short, and my pantry was nearly bare. With just a handful of staples and a lot of garlic, I created a pasta dish so delightful that it’s now a weekly staple in our home. Let me show you how to whip this up in no time.

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

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and quick, this recipe is a game-changer.

First off, the speed is unbeatable. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a dish ready to impress, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or when unexpected guests show up.

The flavors are simple but bold. With the savory punch of garlic, the creamy richness of the sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this pasta hits all the right notes.

It’s also a one-pot wonder. Less time doing dishes means more time enjoying your meal and your evening.

Finally, this pasta is incredibly customizable. Add some chicken, shrimp, or veggies to make it your own. It’s a recipe you’ll never tire of experimenting with!

Ready to dive into this creamy dream? Let’s start with the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe shines because of its simplicity, relying on pantry staples to create a flavorful masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine work best, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini can also hold up nicely to the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: The star of the show! Use fresh garlic cloves for the boldest flavor. You’ll need about 6-8 cloves, finely minced or grated, for that perfect garlicky kick.
• Butter and Olive Oil: This dynamic duo is the base for sautéing garlic, adding richness without being too heavy.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for the creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as indulgent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan takes this dish to the next level. Skip the pre-grated stuff for the best results.
• Parsley: Optional but recommended for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.

No fancy equipment is needed – just a large pot and a skillet will do. Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s get cooking!

How to Make This 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta

This pasta dish is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. Let’s break it down step-by-step:

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Garlic
   While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Make the Sauce
   Reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well, letting the cream absorb the garlicky flavors. Slowly add ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet, tossing to coat each strand in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Finish and Serve
   Sprinkle with chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan for garnish. Serve immediately, and enjoy the creamy perfection!

In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a pasta dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare with this dish!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.
• Freezing: While the pasta is best fresh, you can freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat before tossing with fresh pasta.

Variations and Substitutions

This creamy garlic pasta is the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some ideas to switch it up:

1. Add Protein
   Toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for a hearty upgrade.
2. Vegetarian Boost
   Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
3. Make it Spicy
   Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.
4. Swap the Cream
   For a vegan-friendly version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
5. Use Different Cheeses
   Try Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses to give the sauce a new twist.

Experimenting with this recipe is half the fun, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

This 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta is proof that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this recipe will deliver comfort and flavor every time. So grab a fork and dig in – dinner is served!

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