Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Creamy Garlic Pasta is the epitome of comfort food. This dish features a luscious sauce that coats al dente spaghetti, enveloping each strand with a rich blend of garlic, butter, and creamy goodness. As the butter melts and mingles with the fragrant garlic, you can’t help but feel the excitement build. It’s a dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive. You’ll find yourself turning to this reliable recipe time and time again.
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I still remember the first time I made this creamy delight. It was a chilly evening, and I craved something warm and satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients, I whipped up Creamy Garlic Pasta in no time. The aroma that filled my kitchen made my heart sing. What I love most is how it raises the humble spaghetti to something truly spectacular, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can bring this dish to the table in just 30 minutes without any fuss.
- Irresistible Flavor: The fusion of garlic and butter creates a wonderfully rich sauce that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its creamy texture and golden hue make it a delightful addition to any dinner table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for a gathering with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily tweak the recipe for gluten-free pasta or vegan alternatives if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ounces spaghetti: This classic pasta shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a touch of earthiness.
- ½ cup butter (unsalted): The star of the show, lending creaminess and richness to the dish.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Offers sweetness and depth; yellow or white onions work well.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic kick.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): A simple seasoning that enhances the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A delightful herbal blend that gives a hint of Mediterranean charm.
- ½ cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc): Adds acidity and complexity to the sauce; you can skip it if preferred.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: This thick, rich cream is what makes the sauce indulgently creamy.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): A flavorful finish that ties everything together.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little kick; feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Cook Spaghetti: Begin by cooking 8 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Aim for al dente doneness, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Melt Butter: Over medium heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add ½ cup of unsalted butter to a large skillet. Allow it to melt and foam, which adds a beautiful richness.
Sauté Onion: Toss in 1 medium chopped onion and simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until it’s tender and translucent. You’re looking for a lovely golden color to deepen those flavors.
Add Garlic: Quickly stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until the aroma fills the air. The moment the garlic becomes fragrant, it’s time to move on.
Season the Mix: Season the onion-garlic mix with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let those flavors meld splendidly.
Deglaze with Wine: Add ½ cup of white wine and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. This step brings all those browned bits from the skillet into the sauce, creating a depth of flavor.
Incorporate Cream: Pour in 1½ cups of heavy cream and increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This will help thicken the sauce.
Adjust Thickness: Stir in the reserved ½ cup of pasta water and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. Keep an eye on it, as stirring will help prevent sticking.
Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and gradually stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and coats the sauce beautifully.
Combine Pasta: Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing it well to ensure every strand is luxuriously coated.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for that extra punch.
Storing & Reheating
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely), let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to 3 months; just be sure to use a freezer-safe container. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to enhance the sauce’s richness. Be mindful that the texture may change slightly—stirring often will keep it creamy and inviting.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To prevent overcooking the spaghetti, set a timer for a minute or two before the package instructions say it’s done, as it continues cooking in the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Don’t skimp on the fresh garlic; its aromatic qualities are crucial for flavor.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach alongside the onions.
- Make it easier for yourself: you can prep ingredients in advance to make cooking stress-free when it’s time to eat.
Creamy Garlic Pasta is a simple and delightful dish that embodies comfort and culinary elegance. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it appeals not just to the stomach but also to the soul. Feel free to play with the ingredients and add your own personal twist. Perhaps a dash of lemon zest or some fresh herbs like basil for a refreshing touch? The options are endless! Enjoy this creamy goodness with friends and family; it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the white wine, or use vegetable broth in place. The rich flavors of garlic and butter will still shine through!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of sour cream and milk, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If you find your sauce gets too thick, simply add a bit more reserved pasta water or extra cream while stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to swap it out for fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
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📖 Recipe Card
Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Pasta is a delightful blend of flavors, featuring spaghetti coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, made with simple ingredients like parmesan cheese and heavy cream, making it a comforting and delicious choice for any meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup butter (unsalted)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
- ½ cup white wine (such as sauvignon blanc)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, add the olive oil and butter and melt over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in white wine and let simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the reserved ½ cup of pasta water and let simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until well mixed.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well to combine.
- Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
Notes
For a lighter option, reduce the amount of butter and cream used.
This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Feel free to add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 27g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 113mg
