Creamy Garlic Pasta

Featured in Family-Favorite Main Dishes.

Creamy pasta with rich garlic-parmesan sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying pasta dinner any night of the week.
Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Tue, 25 Mar 2025 23:11:29 GMT
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This velvety creamy pasta combines the robust flavors of roasted garlic and savory Parmesan into an extraordinary taste experience. In less than 20 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that impresses with its silky texture and intense flavor.

In my kitchen, this recipe has proven to be an absolute lifesaver on busy days. Particularly impressive is how few ingredients are needed for such a flavorful dish.

Carefully Selected Ingredients

  • Garlic: Choose firm, white garlic cloves for intense aroma
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated develops its full flavor potential
  • Pasta: Tubular noodles optimally capture the creamy sauce
  • Butter: Gives the sauce a velvety shine
  • Parsley: Fresh herbs bring vibrancy to the dish
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Detailed Preparation

Cooking Pasta:
Generously salt water. Cook pasta until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water. Complete pasta before the sauce.
Garlic Preparation:
Carefully peel cloves. Finely chop or press. Slowly roast in butter until golden brown. Allow roasting flavors to develop.
Sauce Preparation:
Brown roux to golden yellow. Slowly stir in liquid. Stir constantly to prevent lumps. Let sauce gently thicken.
Completion:
Stir in Parmesan until creamy. Adjust consistency with pasta water. Fold in fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

In my family, this pasta has become the absolute favorite. My daughter especially loves the creamy consistency and mild garlic flavor.

Perfect Accompaniments

Serve the pasta with freshly shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley. A crisp arugula salad with cherry tomatoes forms the ideal contrast. For additional texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts over it. A glass of Italian white wine completes the taste experience.

Flavor Variations

The basic sauce can be refined in many ways. Fried mushrooms lend an earthy note. For seafood lovers, sautéed shrimp pair perfectly. A handful of baby spinach makes the dish even more nutritious. Chili or black pepper bring a spicy heat.

Clever Storage

The pasta tastes best when served fresh. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or pasta water and warm gently. The sauce becomes firmer when cooled but can easily be stirred creamy again.

Nutritious Adaptation

Whole wheat pasta increases the fiber content. The sauce can be prepared with almond milk. For extra protein, roasted chickpeas can be added. These variations make the dish even more balanced.

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Everyday Time Planning

The preparation can be optimally organized. While the pasta water is boiling, prepare the sauce. Garlic and parsley can be prepared in the morning. The sauce can also be made alongside other kitchen tasks.

After years of experience with various pasta dishes, this version continues to impress me time and again. The combination of perfectly cooked pasta and silky garlic sauce creates a taste experience that enriches both everyday life and special occasions. What particularly pleases me: Even guests with high culinary standards are equally impressed by the simplicity and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use less garlic?
Yes, the amount can be adjusted to taste. The garlic becomes milder when sautéed in the cooking process.
→ Which pasta works best?
All pasta shapes work well. Shapes that capture the creamy sauce nicely, like penne or fusilli, are especially good choices.
→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
The sauce is best prepared fresh as it tends to thicken when cooled. If reheating, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
→ Is the sauce very thick?
The consistency can be adjusted by the amount of liquid you add. For a thinner sauce, simply add more milk or broth.
→ Can I use different cheese?
Yes, pecorino or grana padano are good alternatives to parmesan. Choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.

Creamy Pasta with Garlic Sauce

Quick pasta in a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce - a simple and satisfying dish that every pasta lover will enjoy.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Pasta

01 1 lb (500g) pasta (any shape works well - fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)

→ Garlic Parmesan sauce

02 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
03 4 garlic cloves, minced
04 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
05 1 2/3 cups (400ml) milk
06 1 cup (250ml) vegetable or chicken broth
07 1 1/2 cups (150g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings

08 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
09 Freshly ground black pepper to taste
10 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, peel and mince the garlic cloves or press them through a garlic press.

Step 02

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be smooth and slightly golden.

Step 03

Gradually pour in the milk and broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Fold in most of the chopped parsley, reserving some for garnish.

Step 04

Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining chopped parsley and additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Notes

  1. For the creamiest result, avoid bringing the sauce to a boil after adding the cheese, as this can cause it to separate. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • Whisk or wooden spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains dairy products

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 615
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~