This Creamy Garlic Pasta is the weeknight hero you’ll make on repeat. It’s a one-pan pasta method where the spaghetti cooks right in seasoned broth, creating a naturally silky sauce then you finish it with Parmesan and a splash of cream for that dreamy Alfredo-style texture. The garlic flavor is bold but cozy, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes with simple pantry staples. Serve it as an easy main dish or pair it with chicken, shrimp, or scallops for a fast “restaurant at home” dinner. If you’re looking for an easy creamy garlic pasta recipe that tastes rich and comforting without complicated steps, this one is it.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cups chicken broth (plus more as needed)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ lb spaghetti
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1½ tbsp dried parsley
Optional add-ins: shrimp, scallops, spinach, peas, chili flakes, lemon zest
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Medium deep skillet or wide saucepan
- Wooden spoon or tongs
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife + cutting board
- Grater (if using fresh Parmesan)
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it brown). 🧄
- Melt butter: Add butter and stir until melted.
- Add broth + season: Pour in chicken broth, then stir in pepper and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Cook pasta in the pan: Add spaghetti (break in half if needed to fit). Cook about 12 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t clump.
- Tip: If pasta starts sticking or liquid runs low, add a splash more broth. 😊
- Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan until melted, then pour in heavy cream.
- Finish: Stir in dried parsley. Sauce should look glossy and coat the noodles. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. ✨
- Serve: Plate immediately while hot and creamy. Top with extra Parmesan and a pinch of parsley.
Pro Tips
- Best Parmesan: Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Silkier sauce: Keep heat low when adding cheese + cream to prevent separation.
- Make it a meal: Add cooked shrimp or scallops in the last 2 minutes to warm through.
- Leftovers: Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen sauce.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 543 | 17g | 47g | 32g | 2g | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
reamy Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add butter and stir until melted.
- Pour in chicken broth, then add pepper and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook about 12 minutes, stirring often. Add more broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan until melted, then add heavy cream and mix until smooth.
- Stir in dried parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Pasta is rich, fast, and made in one pan perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners. Keep it simple, or add shrimp/scallops for an easy seafood Alfredo vibe.