Name: Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Prep time: PT-492214H39M44S
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

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Creamy Garlic Pasta has a knack for transforming an ordinary dinner into something special with minimal effort. The combination of subtle garlic and robust parmesan, wrapped in a luxuriously creamy sauce, creates a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Each twirl of spaghetti is coated in a velvety embrace that not only satisfies hunger but tickles the taste buds. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

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

I still remember the first time I made this dish. It was one of those stormy nights when all I wanted was something warm and comforting. I had a few basic ingredients at home, and what started as a culinary challenge turned into my go-to recipe. This Creamy Garlic Pasta is not just simple to whip up; it’s also a crowd-pleaser that smiles back at you from the dinner table. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it has become a staple in so many homes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is your reliable dinner hero.
Irresistible Flavor: The marriage of garlic, butter, and parmesan is as comforting as it is delicious.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Rich and creamy, it looks stunning when plated, perfect for impressing guests.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this pasta fits right in.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegetarian or gluten-free diets—just swap out the pasta to suit your needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces spaghetti: This classic pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully; feel free to swap with your favorite pasta shape if needed.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor that complements the butter; however, you can use any cooking oil available.
½ cup butter (unsalted): Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish, while its creaminess is essential in creating the sauce.
1 medium onion (chopped): Onion provides a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed; using yellow onion is a great choice for balanced flavor.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma and depth; garlic powder can substitute if needed but will lack the punch.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors in the dish.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that will elevate the dish; or you can use fresh herbs like basil and oregano for extra freshness.
½ cup white wine (such as sauvignon blanc): The wine adds acidity and complexity to the sauce, although it can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
1½ cups heavy cream: This is the key to achieving a creamy, luxurious texture; half-and-half can be used, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
1 cup parmesan cheese (grated): Freshly grated parmesan adds the best flavor; pre-grated options can be used in a pinch but may have anti-caking agents.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: A pinch of heat that brings balance to the richness of the sauce; feel free to omit it if you prefer mild flavors.

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

Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta; set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Melt Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ½ cup of unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and starts to bubble slightly, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for your garlic.

Sauté Onion: Add 1 medium onion (chopped) to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Add Garlic: Once the onion is tender, stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir it all together, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen for about a minute.

Deglaze with Wine: Pour in ½ cup of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes to cook off the alcohol while scraping any bits stuck to the pan. The sauce will begin to take on a lovely depth of flavor.

Bring on the Cream: Add 1½ cups of heavy cream to the skillet, stirring well. Increase the heat until it comes to a gentle boil; this will create that creamy, luscious texture.

Thicken with Pasta Water: Stir in the reserved ½ cup of pasta water, helping the sauce to reach the perfect consistency. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Finish the Sauce: Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. This step adds that signature cheesiness that makes this dish a delight. Stir until it’s completely melted and smooth.

Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing it gently until every strand is coated in that creamy goodness. This is the heart of the recipe where everything comes together.

Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a bit of kick. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pasta, storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, microwave it for about 1-2 minutes or place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce’s creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid undercooking or overcooking spaghetti; always taste test a minute before the suggested cooking time.
For a silkier sauce, make sure your cream is at room temperature before adding it to prevent clumping.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water; it helps to adjust the sauce consistency while also adding extra flavor from the pasta.
For more dimension, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach along with the onion.
If leftovers are a bit thick, revive them with a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating.

This creamy delight has a luxurious flavor profile, and it’s hard not to go back for seconds. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or sides like garlic bread or a simple salad. Cooking should be enjoyable, and experimenting with this recipe enables you to add your personal touch.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

You can easily turn this Creamy Garlic Pasta vegetarian by substituting the white wine with vegetable broth for a flavorful base. Additionally, consider adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.

Can I replace heavy cream with a lighter option?

Absolutely! If you are looking for a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy, so adjust seasoning accordingly for taste.

What type of white wine should I use?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully in this recipe. If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute it with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. This will infuse similar depth without the alcohol.

Can I make this dish in advance?

While Creamy Garlic Pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and simply reheat it while cooking the pasta. This allows you to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week without compromising flavor.