Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Every strand of spaghetti is perfectly coated in a rich sauce of garlic, cream, and Parmesan.
It’s flexible — you can add cooked meat, vegetables or extra seasonings and make it your own.
It comes together quickly (prep about 10 minutes, cook about 20 minutes) so it’s great when you want something comforting without spending hours.
You only need one pot, which means easy cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups chicken broth (or more as needed)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
½ pound spaghetti
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup heavy cream
1 ½ tablespoons dried parsley

Directions

Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
Add butter and stir until melted.
Pour in chicken broth and season with black pepper and salt. Bring to a boil.
Add spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 12 minutes. Add more broth as needed to prevent sticking.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and dried parsley. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or scallops for a protein‑packed version.
Stir in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms or spinach near the end for extra vegetables.
Replace dried parsley with fresh chopped parsley or basil for brighter flavour.
Use whole‑wheat or gluten‑free spaghetti if desired.
For a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with milk (though the texture will be thinner).
Add red pepper flakes or extra black pepper for a little kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened.
Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate or turn grainy after thawing.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti works great, but you can use other types like linguine, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, just substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip any added meat.

How can I thin the sauce if it’s too thick?

Add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or milk and stir until the desired consistency is reached.

How can I make the garlic flavour more pronounced?

Add an extra clove or two of garlic or a small pinch of garlic powder. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried parsley?

Yes, use about 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a brighter, fresher taste.

Can this dish be made ahead?

You can cook it ahead up to the point of adding cream and cheese. Reheat gently, then stir in the cream and cheese before serving.

What should I serve it with?

Serve it with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How can I reduce the calorie or fat content?

Use less cheese and cream, or substitute with lighter cream or milk. Low-sodium broth is also a healthier option.

How do I avoid the sauce separating when reheating?

Reheat on low heat while stirring constantly. Add a little broth or cream to bring the sauce back together if needed.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily?

Yes, just adjust all ingredient quantities proportionally. Keep an eye on the amount of liquid and use a large enough pan when doubling.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate quick-fix comfort food. With its velvety sauce and bold garlic flavour, it feels indulgent while remaining incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you enjoy it as a simple main dish or customize it with proteins and vegetables, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.

Creamy Garlic Pasta

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This creamy garlic pasta is a simple, rich, and flavorful dish made with just a few pantry staples. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
8 ounces spaghetti
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and milk; bring to a boil.
Add spaghetti to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 18-20 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Add cooked chicken or vegetables for a more complete meal.
Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking to the pan.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 375
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 15mg