Name: Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Prep time: PT-491778H55M35S
Cook time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Creamy Garlic Pasta is a lovely dish that combines the rich, comforting essence of butter and cream with the robust flavor of garlic. Not only does it come together in just 30 minutes, but each bite also feels luxurious, making it a cozy dinner treat that you can whip up anytime. Picture twirling forkfuls of tender spaghetti coated in a silky sauce, punctuated by the warmth of garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a straightforward, yet truly satisfying meal that’s sure to impress both family and friends.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner

Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner

This recipe quickly became a staple in my household; it strikes the perfect balance between quick preparation and indulgent flavor. Whenever I crave something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, my mind wanders to this Creamy Garlic Pasta. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fancy date night at home, this dish hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for any busy evening.
Irresistible Flavor: Rich and creamy sauce with a kick from garlic and red pepper flakes — absolutely mouthwatering!
Eye-Catching Appeal: The stunning interplay of creamy sauce and golden spaghetti makes for an impressive presentation.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for cozy family dinners or elegant gatherings; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to tweak it to be gluten-free with your favorite pasta or use dairy-free alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces spaghetti: The classic choice that works perfectly with the sauce. You could substitute with gluten-free pasta for a lighter option.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and adding depth of flavor. Can substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
½ cup unsalted butter: Provides creaminess to the sauce; feel free to use a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
1 medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and flavor. Yellow onion works well, and you can use shallots for a milder taste.
4 cloves garlic (minced): The star ingredient! Fresh garlic gives the best flavor; avoid jarred if possible for a more vibrant taste.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper are recommended.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the dish. You can use fresh herbs like basil and oregano if you have them on hand.
½ cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc): Elevates the sauce’s flavors. Substitute with vegetable broth if avoiding alcohol.
1½ cups heavy cream: Creates a rich, creamy texture. You can use half-and-half for a lighter alternative, but be cautious not to let it boil.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute for a sharper taste.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: A little heat that balances the creaminess. Reduce the amount or omit for a milder dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner

Cook the spaghetti: Start by cooking 8 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. It’s important to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, as this will help thicken your sauce later.

Melt the butter and oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with ½ cup of unsalted butter. Melt them together until bubbly, creating a beautiful base for your sauce.

Sauté the onion: To the pan, add 1 chopped medium onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step helps build flavor in the sauce.

Add the garlic: Next, introduce 4 minced cloves of garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You want it to be aromatic but careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

Season it right: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning into the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the spices heat through for a minute or so to fully release their flavors.

Pour in the wine: Add ½ cup of white wine to the pan. Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes, which will cook off some of the alcohol and leave a lovely taste behind.

Bring on the cream: Carefully pour in 1½ cups of heavy cream and increase the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle boil. This is the magic moment when the sauce turns creamy!

Add pasta water: Stir in the reserved ½ cup of pasta water, mixing everything well. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened up — it should cling beautifully to the pasta.

Finish the sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat and add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and you have a rich, cheesy sauce that’s irresistible.

Toss in the pasta: Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss it well to ensure every strand is coated. The texture should be silky.

Serve and garnish: Serve the creamy garlic pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for added spice and flair. Enjoy every delightful bite!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Creamy Garlic Pasta can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to freeze it, pack it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Feel free to add a splash of cream or pasta water to revitalize the sauce, as textures may change slightly after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the garlic; it should be fragrant but not browned.
To ensure your sauce thickens beautifully, always reserve that pasta water!
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; everyone’s palate is different.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the wine or replacing it with broth.
For added flair, consider tossing in fresh spinach toward the end for color and nutrition.
This dish is great for meal prep; just keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to serve.

This creamy garlic pasta is a delightful dish that combines comfort and simplicity, perfect for any occasion. The delightful blend of garlic and butter will surely make it a new favorite in your home. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients or add your favorite veggies; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy your culinary creation and savor each spoonful of comfort!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta, and follow the rest of the recipe as is. You’ll still enjoy all that creamy goodness!

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream such as coconut cream or cashew cream, keeping in mind that flavors may slightly change.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make the dish vegetarian, simply skip the white wine or use vegetable broth instead. It will still be delicious with all the other flavorful ingredients!

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.