Garlic Lovers Dream Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Recipe Introduction
Ever crave something ridiculously comforting? Honestly, who doesn't? This garlic cream sauce pasta recipe is my go-to. It's packed with flavor and always hits the spot.
Creamy, Dreamy, Garlicky!
This creamy garlic parmesan pasta is an italian american pasta recipes classic. It's a simple, satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner ideas .
This pasta dish is all about that garlicky goodness! A rich and creamy sauce, infused with plenty of garlic and Parmesan cheese, coats your favorite pasta for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Quick and Easy Comfort Food
This recipe has roots in classic italian american pasta recipes . It’s a simple dish elevated by fresh ingredients. It's an easy pasta recipe , that only takes about 30 minutes to make.
This recipe yields about 4 servings of pure pasta perfection.
Why You'll Love It
One of the best things about this garlic cream sauce pasta recipe is how quick it is to whip up.
Need some comfort food pasta after a long day? This is it. Plus, it’s so versatile. You can add chicken or shrimp to it.
Or even some veg for a creamy garlic pasta with vegetables . What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and ability to satisfy cravings.
Ready to grab your apron and get cooking? Let's dive into the ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Garlic Cream Sauce Pasta
Let's talk ingredients. Making a dreamy garlic cream sauce pasta recipe is easier than you think! This easy pasta recipe relies on simple ingredients.
We are creating a creamy parmesan cheese pasta that will make you feel like you're in a fancy Italian restaurant.
Main Players
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work well.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (60 ml) unsalted butter.
- Garlic: 6 cloves , minced. That's about 2 tablespoons of garlicky goodness. Seriously, don't skimp!
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) . Makes it oh-so-creamy!
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (120 ml) , grated, plus more for serving. Freshly grated is the best .
- Pasta Water: 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved. Save that liquid gold!
- Seasoning: 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) salt, 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) black pepper. Adjust to your taste.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped (optional). Makes it look fancy, innit?
For the garlic, fresh is always best. If you're using pre-minced, give it a sniff. It should smell pungent, not stale. Trust me, you can tell the difference!
Seasoning Is Key
- Garlic and Parmesan are the stars. They make the sauce a true garlic lover's dream .
- Salt and pepper are essential to balance the flavors. Don't be shy.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- You can use nutritional yeast if you want to vegan parmesan substitute .
- Consider trying some italian american pasta recipes .
Must Have Equipment
- Large pot. For cooking the pasta, obviously.
- Large skillet or saucepan. This is where the magic happens!
- Colander. For draining the pasta.
- Garlic mincer (optional). Saves time and effort. But a knife works too.
Honestly, you don't need fancy equipment for this. A pan, a pot, and a way to chop garlic. That's it. It's a great weeknight dinner idea that uses common kitchen tools.
I remember the first time I made garlic cream sauce pasta . I almost burnt the garlic! Keep the heat low to prevent burning the garlic. You don't want bitter pasta.
Garlic Lover's Dream: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This garlic cream sauce pasta recipe? It's a hug in a bowl! Honestly, if you need a bit of comfort food, this is it.
It is a classic Italian American dish, and it's one of my go-to easy pasta recipe options for a weeknight dinner ideas .
Ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted
First things first, let's get organised. Essential mise en place is key for this creamy garlic parmesan pasta . Mince about 6 cloves of garlic .
Grate a half cup of Parmesan cheese. Having it all prepped saves you time. Safety first, always use a sharp knife carefully.
step-by-step: Garlic Cream Sauce Pasta Recipe
- Cook the pasta: Cook 1 pound of your favourite pasta, like spaghetti, until al dente . Make sure you reserve a half cup of the pasta water technique before draining.
- Sauté the garlic: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1- 2 minutes . Watch it! How to prevent garlic from burning ? Low heat, constant stirring. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, and nobody wants that.
- Make the sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Add cheese and pasta water: Stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan until melted. Add pasta water to reach your desired consistency. This is liquid gold!.
- Combine and serve: Toss pasta in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Pasta
Freshly grated Parmesan is a game changer. Trust me. Forget the pre-shredded stuff. For a shrimp scampi pasta variation , add sautéed shrimp and a splash of lemon juice.
Common mistake? Overcooking the pasta! Aim for al dente pasta cooking tips . This garlic cream sauce pasta is an excellent fettuccine alfredo alternative .
Honestly, it's so easy, it's almost criminal! Serve it with a simple salad side dish and some garlic bread pairing for the ultimate comfort meal.
The white wine pairing pasta is a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc , goes great with this dish. Cheers!.
Why not try making this recipe dairy-free pasta sauce use full fat coconut milk for a richer, plant based sauce.
Recipe Notes for Perfect Garlic Cream Sauce Pasta
Alright, so you're ready to make some garlic cream sauce pasta , yeah? Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.
These are the bits that'll take your creamy garlic parmesan pasta from "meh" to "OMG that's amazing". I learned the hard way, so listen up!
Serving Suggestions: Time to Get Fancy (Or Not!)
Listen, plating matters. Not saying you need to be on "MasterChef" or anything. But a little effort goes a long way.
For a simple but elegant touch, twirl the pasta with garlic sauce into a nest on the plate. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and some chopped parsley.
Boom! Restaurant vibes. Oh, and garlic bread pairing ? Total no-brainer. To drink, a chilled white wine pairing pasta like Pinot Grigio is fantastic! A simple salad side dish cuts through the richness, too.
Trust me.
Storage Tips: Fridge & Freezer Lowdown
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This garlic cream sauce pasta recipe is great the next day.
Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is an option, but the sauce might separate a bit when you reheat it.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to its creamy glory.
Microwave also works, but stir frequently.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen
Feel like switching things up? Go for it!
If you want to make it dairy-free, coconut milk works well as a substitute. The consistency might be different, but tastes very good.
Add in vegetables for more nutrition. Toss in a cup of broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
You will end up with a creamy garlic pasta with vegetables . For a totally different vibe, try the shrimp scampi pasta variation I mentioned.
That's always a crowd pleaser! Or, you can also create a chicken garlic cream pasta .
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, let's talk numbers. Each serving of this garlic cream sauce pasta has roughly 650 calories. It's also got around 25g of protein, 40g of fat, and 50g of carbs.
It's comfort food pasta , plain and simple, innit? So you knew there would be calories.
This recipe is an easy pasta recipe perfect for weeknight dinner ideas . There are even italian american pasta recipes that have evolved from it, and are inspired by this one! While this is an original homemade pasta sauce , be sure to find ways to make it your own.
This recipe can be used as a fettuccine alfredo alternative .
So there you have it! Follow these tips, and you'll be serving up some seriously delicious garlic cream sauce pasta in no time.
Now go get cooking! I know you can do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my garlic from burning when making garlic cream sauce pasta?
Burning the garlic is a common pitfall, but easily avoided! Cook the garlic over medium low heat, watching it like a hawk. It should become fragrant and lightly golden, but not brown or dark. If you smell burning, immediately remove the pan from the heat.
Can I make garlic cream sauce pasta ahead of time?
While best served immediately, you can prep some components in advance. You can cook the pasta ahead of time, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. The sauce is best made fresh, but if you must, store it separately and combine with the pasta right before serving.
Be warned, the sauce will thicken as it cools. You can add a splash of milk, stock, or pasta water when reheating to loosen it up.
Is there a dairy-free or vegan version of garlic cream sauce pasta?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full fat coconut milk for a luscious, plant based sauce. For a cheesy flavor, use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast, but be sure to taste as you go to adjust seasoning. This ensures everyone can enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy pasta, even those avoiding dairy.
What other ingredients can I add to my garlic cream sauce pasta?
Get creative! Sautéed shrimp or cooked chicken breast are popular additions, transforming this into a hearty meal. Some wilted spinach or sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of color and flavor.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten up the richness of the sauce think of it as your own "MasterChef" twist on a classic.
What's the best way to store leftover garlic cream sauce pasta?
Store leftover garlic cream sauce pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken upon cooling. You can microwave it or reheat gently in a pan on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
What kind of pasta is best for this garlic cream sauce pasta recipe?
Long pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work wonderfully with garlic cream sauce because they capture the sauce so well. However, don't let that limit you. Penne or rotini are good substitutes and a fun twist for the family.
Feel free to use whatever you have in your store cupboard - this recipe is about comfort food, so enjoy!
Garlic Lovers Dream Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 3g |
