This 15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ticket to a delightful dinner that doesn’t involve hours in the kitchen! Picture this: it’s a busy weekday evening and you want to whip up something comforting yet special. This dish offers a quick, creamy indulgence, perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs. With a rich sauce loaded with garlic, a touch of Parmesan, and pasta, every bite feels like a little hug. Plus, you probably have all the ingredients on hand.
Making this creamy pasta is as easy as it gets. You can follow this recipe even if you are a novice in the kitchen. In just 15 minutes, you will transform simple ingredients into a plate of happiness. So, let’s grab our pasta and get cooking!
Why This Recipe Works
This 15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta brings together the perfect combination of creamy richness and robust garlic flavor. The blend of heavy cream with Parmesan creates a luxurious sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner dates. You can have an elegant way to impress your guests or treat yourself after a long day.
Why You’ll Love This 15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta
Not only is this dish exceptionally quick to prepare, but it also delivers a decadent taste that pleases every palate. The garlic aroma fills your home, drawing everyone to the kitchen. Plus, the flexibility in ingredients lets you customize it based on what you like or what’s in your fridge. Whether you want it vegetarian or with extra protein, it can adapt to your needs. This makes it a go-to recipe for all occasions, from cozy dinners to casual gatherings.
Ingredients
To make this delightful pasta dish, you’ll need:
– 8 ounces uncooked pasta (linguine or your choice)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt & pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparing the Pasta
Boil the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt is important because it flavors the pasta as it cooks. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. You want it to be firm yet tender, so keep an eye on the timer.
Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. The moment it starts bubbling, you know it’s ready for the next step.
Create the Roux
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. This ingredient thickens your sauce. Allow it to cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid lumps. You want to see it bubble gently; that’s when it develops flavor.
Add Garlic and Chicken Broth
Stir in the minced garlic and pour in the chicken broth. This combination creates a wonderful base for your sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about a minute, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Incorporate the Heavy Cream
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream. The sauce will start to look creamy and dreamy. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. If you want a lighter sauce, you can take it off the heat sooner.
Mix in Parmesan Cheese
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the sauce and adds that necessary umami touch. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting it to your preference.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your pasta is al dente, drain it, but reserve a little pasta water. Toss the pasta with the sauce until well coated. If you notice the sauce is too thick, use some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta in bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. You can even whip up a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for a kick. Sautéing vegetables like spinach or mushrooms in the sauce is also a fantastic way to enhance the dish.
- Ensure you use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and taste. Pre-grated cheese tends to clump and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Do not skip the salt in boiling water; it elevates the flavor of the pasta.
Variations
Feel free to try using different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also experiment with adding cooked bacon or sun-dried tomatoes for an added flavor twist.
Pairing Ideas
Serve this dish with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If wine isn’t your jam, a refreshing lemonade can balance the richness beautifully.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
3. Can I make this creamy garlic pasta ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add it to freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
4. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream.
5. What can I add for extra protein?
You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a satisfying protein boost.
This 15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. The simplicity of the ingredients allows for customization while delivering an indulgent dining experience. With just a few basic steps and a handful of ingredients, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Print
15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta
This creamy garlic pasta is a quick and delightful dish, loaded with flavor from garlic and Parmesan. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with minimal effort!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (linguine or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add flour to the melted butter and whisk, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and pour in chicken broth, simmering for about a minute.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and simmer until thickened.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce, adjusting thickness with reserved pasta water.
- Serve in bowls, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or sauté vegetables for added taste.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting texture.
Don’t skip the salt in boiling water for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 40
- Saturated Fat: 25
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 150
