Name: Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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

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Creamy Garlic Pasta is a gorgeous dish, rich in flavor and effortlessly luxurious. Picture twirls of spaghetti coated in a velvety garlic butter sauce, punctuated by the sharpness of Parmesan and just a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s a comforting embrace on a plate that suits any casual dinner or an impromptu weeknight gathering. Not only does this dish come together in a swift 30 minutes, but it also transforms humble ingredients into something that feels special, elevating your usual pasta game to new heights.

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

The moment I first whipped up this Creamy Garlic Pasta, I knew it would become a staple in my weekly menu. It was a rainy evening, and the allure of a creamy garlic sauce permeated the kitchen, making the whole house feel warm and cozy. Each bite was a delightful symphony of textures and tastes, with the noodles perfectly coated in a luscious sauce that clung to every strand. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or satisfy a late-night craving, this dish nails the balance of simplicity and sophistication. Trust me, you’re going to want to try it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this dish in just 30 minutes—perfect for a busy week!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a heavenly taste that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Super creamy with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, it looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Great for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish at gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free pasta or vegan alternatives if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces spaghetti: The star of the dish, spaghetti perfectly holds onto the creamy sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds flavor and helps with sautéing the onions without burning the butter.
½ cup butter (unsalted): Essential for richness; unsalted gives you control over seasoning.
1 medium onion (chopped): A flavorful base for your sauce, adding sweetness and depth.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is a must; it infuses the sauce with a fragrant aroma.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that elevate the overall flavor.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the dish beautifully.
½ cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc): Adds acidity and brightness to the sauce; choose one you would drink!
1½ cups heavy cream: Creates the creamy consistency that makes this dish so comforting.
1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds an umami punch and creamy texture; freshly grated works best.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle kick, enhancing the flavor profile without overwhelming it.

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

Cook pasta: Start by cooking 8 ounces of spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, as this will help thicken your sauce later.

Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until melted. Toss in 1 medium chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add garlic: Stir in 4 minced cloves of garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!

Season it up: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning for that classic Italian flavor.

Deglaze with wine: Pour in ½ cup of white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) and allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes, scraping any bits off the bottom for extra flavor.

Creamy sauce base: Add in 1½ cups of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil. The aroma at this stage is simply divine!

Thicken the sauce: Stir in the reserved ½ cup of pasta water and allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, waiting until it thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spatula.

Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.

Combine with pasta: Toss in the cooked spaghetti, mixing well so every strand is coated in that luscious sauce.

Garnish and serve: For an extra touch, garnish your dish with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive that creamy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When sautéing onions, avoid browning them too much; you want them soft and translucent for the best flavor.
Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as the saltiness of the cheese will impact the overall flavor.
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk, though the creamy texture will be slightly less luxurious.
Don’t skip the pasta water! It’s crucial for adjusting the consistency of the sauce and adds extra starchy flavor.

You’ve got the basics in your hands, and I can’t wait for you to dive into this delightful creamy garlic magic. Each element flows together, creating a medley of flavors that simply sings on your taste buds.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Consider using half-and-half or a mix of heavy cream and chicken broth for a lighter sauce. You can also reduce the butter or replace it with olive oil for a healthier option.

What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Pasta?

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the pasta! Just remember to use a freezer-safe container, and it’s best consumed within 3 months. When reheating, add a bit of cream or milk to revive the sauce.