Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Creamy garlic pasta is an exciting dish that wraps al dente spaghetti in a velvety, rich sauce bursting with garlic flavor. It’s a comforting meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated—perfect for those weeknights when you’re craving a plate of something warm and satisfying. The combination of creamy butter, fresh garlic, and decadent parmesan gives this dish a full-bodied flavor that is nothing short of spectacular.
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About a month ago, during a particularly busy week, I found myself in search of a quick yet delightful dinner that would fill me up and make my taste buds sing. After rummaging through my pantry and fresh ingredients, I whipped up this creamy garlic pasta. In a mere 30 minutes, I crafted a comforting bowl of deliciousness that quickly became a beloved favorite in our home. I bet it will become yours too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: That luxurious blend of butter, garlic, and parmesan will have you savoring every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Silky and creamy, it impresses both at the dinner table and on Instagram.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for a date night, weeknight dinner, or even a cozy brunch.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to gluten-free pasta if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ounces spaghetti: This classic pasta is the backbone of the dish. Feel free to swap it with gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté onions, it adds depth while preventing the butter from browning too quickly.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: For that creamy richness, unsalted is best to control the saltiness of your dish.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): It provides sweetness and aroma, lightly caramelizing into the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic elevates the flavor profile immensely! Use more or less according to your preferences.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: This blend adds a comforting herbaceous note. You can make your own using dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- ½ cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc): Enhances the sauce with acidity and depth. You can substitute it with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: The star of the creaminess—don’t skimp on this for a luxurious texture.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor. Use freshly grated for the best melt and taste!
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: These add just the right amount of heat, but you can adjust based on your spice tolerance.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Cook Spaghetti: Begin by cooking 8 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve ½ cup pasta water from the pot before draining the pasta.
Melt Butter & Olive Oil: In a large skillet, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ½ cup of unsalted butter. Heat over medium until the butter is melted and bubbly but not browned.
Sauté Onions: Add 1 medium chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add Garlic: Toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen but make sure it doesn’t burn.
Season it Up: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. These flavors will blend beautifully into the sauce.
Pour in White Wine: Carefully stir in ½ cup of white wine, let it simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly, giving the sauce a vibrant depth.
Bring on the Cream: Pour in 1½ cups of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This will create a luscious base for your pasta.
Add Pasta Water: Stir in the reserved ½ cup of pasta water, reducing the heat slightly before letting it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat, then gradually stir in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese until it’s nicely melted and creamy.
Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is cloaked in that heavenly mixture.
Garnish: Serve your pasta warm, garnishing it with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for the perfect kick.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover creamy garlic pasta, let it cool down to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and it should stay good for about 3 months. When reheating, opt for the stovetop over the microwave if possible, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive its creaminess and prevent it from drying out.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always reserve pasta water! This starchy liquid is fantastic for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
- Be mindful of the garlic—overcooked garlic can turn bitter, so keep a close eye on it!
- Adjust the richness: If you’d like a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Letting the spaghetti sit in the sauce for a couple of minutes before serving lets the noodles absorb more flavor.
Creamy garlic pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s rich yet simple, feeding both body and soul at the end of a hectic day. Don’t hesitate to play around with add-ins—grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or seasonal vegetables can make delightful additions! I hope you gather your loved ones and celebrate with this easy, comforting dish. Enjoy the wonderful world of creamy garlic pasta!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in advance. Just store each component separately and combine it right before serving to keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
What if I don’t have white wine?
If you’d rather avoid alcohol, feel free to substitute white wine with vegetable or chicken broth for a similar flavor profile without the booze.
Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Certainly! For a dairy-free and vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
How can I add protein to this dish?
You can toss in cooked grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for an added protein punch. Just adjust the cooking time for each protein to ensure it’s perfectly cooked before adding it to your pasta.
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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
This creamy garlic pasta is the perfect quick dinner, crafted in just 30 minutes. With its rich flavors from garlic, butter, and parmesan, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking comfort food that’s easy to make at home.
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, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the reserved ½ cup of pasta water, stir, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Blend in the grated parmesan cheese until incorporated into the sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta well with the sauce.
- Garnish with more parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
