Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that checks all the boxes. With its rich, velvety texture and aromatic garlic flavor, this pasta dish proves that simple ingredients can work together to create something extraordinary. Consider it a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those busy nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a quick yet satisfying meal that doesn’t skip on taste, offering a dining experience reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant—minus the hefty price tag!
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I first stumbled upon this delightful dish during a cozy dinner gathering with friends. The air was filled with the comforting aroma of garlic and butter, and as the creamy sauce clung lovingly to the strands of spaghetti, I knew I had found a new favorite. Now, I can hardly pass up the opportunity to whip up this rich and decadent meal. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Creamy Garlic Pasta is bound to impress. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe that’s not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone craving more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This dinner gets on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of butter, garlic, and white wine creates a rich sauce that’s simply too delicious to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A sprinkle of parmesan and red pepper flakes on top elevates the presentation and tempts the taste buds.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with grilled chicken or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for a vegetarian diet, just skip any added proteins!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ounces spaghetti: A classic choice, spaghetti holds the cream sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to sauté the onion and adds a healthy fat component.
- ½ cup butter (unsalted): Essential for that rich creaminess; unsalted gives you full control over saltiness.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): The star of the show, infusing the pasta with its aromatic flavor.
- salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Offering a blend of herbs, it adds depth and warmth to the sauce.
- ½ cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc): Adds acidity and complexity; cooking wine is a fine choice too.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, silky sauce that makes this dish truly special.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated): A must for creaminess and a cheesy finish; grated is ideal for melting.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: A pinch adds a delightful kick without overwhelming the dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Cook the spaghetti: Begin by cooking 8 ounces of spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining—this will help fine-tune your sauce later.
Melt the base: In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt fully, creating a rich base for the sauce.
Sauté the onion: Toss in 1 medium chopped onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to emit a sweet fragrance.
Add garlic: Next, incorporate 4 minced cloves of garlic into the skillet, cooking for just another 30 seconds until fragrant—it shouldn’t brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Season the mixture: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, stirring to coat the onions and garlic evenly with flavor.
Add white wine: Pour in ½ cup of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, and allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate and enriching the sauce.
Create the creamy base: Slowly pour in 1½ cups of heavy cream, raising the heat slightly to bring everything to a gentle boil. Stir well to combine all those beautiful flavors.
Thicken the sauce: After it reaches a boil, add back in your reserved ½ cup of pasta water to help emulsify and thicken the sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Finish the sauce: Turn off the heat and incorporate 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy.
Combine: Toss in the drained spaghetti, making sure each strand is beautifully coated with the sauce. This is where the magic really happens!
Garnish: To serve, garnish with more grated parmesan and a sprinkle of ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for just a touch of heat.
Storing & Reheating
For any leftovers, store Creamy Garlic Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revitalize that creamy texture. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken upon cooling, so refreshing it with a little liquid works wonders!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid burning the garlic by cooking it just until aromatic; garlic browns quickly and can turn bitter.
- Measure your pasta water: The reserved water is a key element for a silky sauce, so don’t skip this step!
- Want an extra kick? Feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Prepare ahead: You can sauté the onion and garlic earlier in the day and store them to save time before mealtime.
- Use freshly grated parmesan; its texture and flavor are far superior to pre-grated options.
It’s hard to go wrong with a recipe that epitomizes comfort and coziness! Creamy Garlic Pasta is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making every bite a warming experience. Allow yourself to get creative, perhaps tossing in some seasonal vegetables or a protein of your choice. The sauce is just the right canvas to showcase your culinary flair, and with each bite comes a surge of satisfaction. Delight your family, treat yourself, and make this rich dish a regular on your dinner rotation!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this pasta dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil and use non-dairy cream alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can also give you that cheesy flavor!
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with an equal amount of vegetable broth or simply use lemon juice to add some acidity. Just reduce the simmering time accordingly.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce feels too thin, allow it to simmer longer without the lid until it thickens. Alternatively, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Of course! While spaghetti is a classic choice, feel free to use any pasta shape you enjoy. Fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free options all work wonderfully with this creamy sauce.
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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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Garlic Pasta offers a rich and mouthwatering flavor with simple ingredients like spaghetti, garlic, and parmesan. Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy night in, this dish combines creamy sauce with a hint of garlic for a satisfying meal you’ll love.
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, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Add in the heavy cream and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the reserved ½ cup of pasta water, then simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix the grated parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and combined.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and toss well to coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for more or less heat.
Using fresh garlic will enhance the flavor of the dish.
You can substitute white wine with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 710
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 32g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
