There's something magical about a warm bowl of creamy garlic pasta, especially on a night when time is short, but your cravings demand something rich and indulgent. The aroma of sautéed garlic fills the kitchen, creating an instant sense of comfort and anticipation. This recipe brings you the ultimate weeknight win—pure flavor, minimal effort, and just 15 minutes from stovetop to table.
I discovered this recipe on a particularly busy evening when I needed a quick, satisfying meal for the whole family. It’s now one of our go-to dishes, perfect for last-minute dinners or when guests drop by unexpectedly. Let’s dive into why this creamy garlic pasta will quickly become a staple in your home.
Why You'll Love This 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta
Get ready to embrace a dish that’s as comforting as it is quick. This creamy garlic pasta is packed with flavor, requires minimal ingredients, and is guaranteed to please every palate.
First, it’s an absolute lifesaver on busy days. Whether you’re juggling work, errands, or simply don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your answer. It takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner.
The rich, garlicky sauce is a flavor bomb that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, the combination of cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety texture that coats each strand of pasta perfectly.
What’s even better? It’s a dish that can be tailored to your taste. Add veggies, switch up the pasta shape, or toss in your favorite protein—it’s endlessly versatile.
And of course, it’s budget-friendly. Using ingredients you likely already have on hand, this recipe proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
Ingredients Notes

This recipe shines thanks to its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect creamy garlic pasta you’ll love.
Pasta: Spaghetti is the classic choice for this dish, but you can use fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Whatever pasta you choose, ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe. Its deep, aromatic flavor is the star of the show, so don’t skimp. Mince it finely to release all its fragrant oils.
Butter: This provides a rich base for sautéing the garlic. Unsalted butter works best, allowing you to control the seasoning more effectively.
Heavy Cream: The key to the luscious sauce is heavy cream, which lends a silky texture without being too heavy. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the secret to that signature savory depth. Avoid pre-shredded versions, as they don’t melt as smoothly.
Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Make sure to have a large pot for boiling the pasta and a wide skillet for preparing the sauce. A fine grater is also handy for the Parmesan.
How To Make This 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta

Creating this creamy garlic pasta is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—it’s a secret weapon for perfecting the sauce later.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let the cream warm through, then add half of the grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet. Toss it gently in the sauce, ensuring every strand is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Finish with the remaining Parmesan and a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, and watch as your family dives into this irresistibly creamy dish.
Storage Options
If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s rare with this dish!), they can be easily stored for later. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to the pasta to bring back its creamy consistency. Warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing, as the cream-based sauce can lose its smooth texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.
Variations and Substitutions
This creamy garlic pasta is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.
For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms. Simply toss them in with the pasta at the end for a hearty, one-pan meal.
Want to sneak in some veggies? Stir in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli. They’ll add color, texture, and a dose of nutrients.
If you’re a spice lover, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil can take the flavor up a notch.
Looking for a dairy-free option? Substitute the cream with coconut milk and use a plant-based cheese alternative for a creamy yet unique twist.
Finally, experiment with herbs and seasonings. A touch of basil, thyme, or even lemon zest can add new dimensions to this already flavorful dish.
With endless possibilities, this creamy garlic pasta invites you to customize it to suit your tastes and preferences. Have fun experimenting, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Print15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
This 15-minute creamy garlic pasta recipe combines simple ingredients to create a rich and velvety sauce bursting with garlic flavor. Perfect for quick dinners, this easy pasta dish is comforting, satisfying, and full of creamy goodness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 250g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, but long noodles work best for this creamy garlic sauce.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste preferences.
- For a lighter option, substitute half the cream with milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
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