As I stood in my cozy kitchen, I couldn’t wait to make my favorite dish: Creamy Garlic Pasta. There’s something about the warm, rich garlic butter sauce that always makes me feel at home. I grabbed my ingredients—linguine, fresh garlic, and parmesan cheese—and started my quick prep. In just 20 minutes, this dish would transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. Whether I was having a busy weeknight or a relaxed dinner with friends, Creamy Garlic Pasta was always a hit.
Cooking the Noodles
First, I filled a large pot with water and added a generous amount of salt. I brought it to a boil and dropped in the linguine. As the pasta cooked, the kitchen began to fill with a wonderful aroma. While waiting, I melted butter and olive oil in my skillet, stirring in minced garlic. The smell of garlic wafting through the air was simply delightful. After just a minute, it was time to add the cooked linguine to the skillet, and that’s when Creamy Garlic Pasta started to come together beautifully.
Tossing It All Together
With a bit of reserved pasta water, I tossed the noodles in the rich garlic butter sauce, making sure every strand was coated perfectly. I added chopped parsley for a fresh touch and seasoned it with salt and pepper. Each bite promised a savory experience, and I couldn’t wait to serve it. Just before plating, I sprinkled a generous amount of freshly grated parmesan on top. The sight of that cheesy goodness on my Creamy Garlic Pasta was enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
Finally, I plated the pasta and garnished it with extra parsley for color. As I took my first bite, I felt the comforting warmth of the creamy sauce and the savory garlic dancing on my taste buds. This dish was not just about satisfying hunger; it was about sharing love and comfort with every forkful. Whenever I make Creamy Garlic Pasta, it reminds me of cozy nights spent with family and friends, sharing laughter and delicious food. It’s a meal that brings everyone together, and I always look forward to those moments.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Always salt your pasta water generously. This is your chance to flavor the pasta itself. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water.
- Start cooking your pasta and preparing the garlic butter sauce simultaneously. This will ensure everything is hot and fresh when it comes time to combine them.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, feel free to add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the garlic butter mixture.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle kick. This will elevate the dish without overpowering the garlic flavor.
- For added nutrition and texture, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes right before serving.
- If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works beautifully as a substitute, imparting a slightly sharper flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
Creamy Garlic Pasta
4
servings5
minutes15
minutes514
kcal20
minutesIndulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy Creamy Garlic Pasta! Perfectly cooked linguine tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of parmesan. In just 20 minutes, transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe’s simplicity and flavor will impress everyone at the table. Dive into this delightful Italian-inspired favorite and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both quick and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
- Aromatics
5 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- Dry Ingredients:
12 ounces of linguine or your choice of long, thin dried pasta
2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for topping
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Wet Ingredients:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive o
- Alternative Ingredients:
Pasta: Substitute linguine with spaghetti fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta varieties for those avoiding gluten.
Butter: Use olive oil or a dairy-free margarine as a replacement to make the dish dairy-free.
Parmesan Cheese: Replace with Pecorino Romano nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative, or another hard cheese of your choice.
Olive Oil: Avocado oil can be used in place of olive oil for a different flavor profile.
Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley or fresh basil can be used if fresh parsley is unavailable.
Garlic Cloves: Garlic paste or garlic powder can serve as substitutes for minced garlic cloves.
Kosher Salt: Sea salt or regular table salt can be used instead of kosher salt.
Black Pepper: White pepper or other pepper alternatives can replace freshly ground black pepper.
Directions
- Boiling the Pasta – Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil, ensuring it’s generously salted to flavor the pasta. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically between 9 to 13 minutes. For an optional touch, add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce – While the pasta cooks, melt the butter and warm the olive oil together in a sizable skillet over medium heat, which should take about 2 minutes until the mixture begins to sizzle. Introduce the minced garlic to the pan, stirring continuously to avoid burning, and cook until the garlic releases its aroma and softens, approximately 1 minute.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce – Once the linguine is cooked, drain it using a colander, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use. Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter mixture. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and the chopped parsley, tossing everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated.
- Finishing Touches – Continue to cook and stir the pasta in the skillet until it is thoroughly heated, adding more reserved pasta water if the mixture appears too dry, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Season the dish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, transfer the creamy garlic noodles to a serving bowl, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- colander
- measuring cups and spoons
- microplane grater
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 514kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
- Sodium: 301mg
- Potassium: 226mg
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Vitamin A: 458IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 196mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQ- Creamy Garlic Pasta
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While linguine is recommended, feel free to substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta varieties. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this creamy garlic pasta dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What can I serve with creamy garlic pasta?
This pasta pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A light white wine also complements the flavors nicely.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, make sure your pasta water is boiling before adding the linguine, and consider adding a splash of olive oil to the water. Stir the pasta during the first minute of cooking to separate any sticking noodles.
Can I prepare this pasta in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Cook the pasta just before serving and combine with the sauce for the best texture and flavor.
