The sound of garlic sizzling in butter always takes me back to Julia’s kitchen, where comfort came in simple, perfect bowls. This creamy garlic parmesan pasta wraps you in pure indulgence with every silky bite. It’s become the Pinterest darling that busy families swear by.
Think of this as your favorite Italian restaurant dish, but made right in your own kitchen with just garlic, cream, and good parmesan cheese. The sauce comes together in one pot while your pasta cooks. It’s like having a warm hug ready in twenty minutes. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been perfecting this recipe since my daughters were little, tweaking Julia’s original until it became our Tuesday night tradition. The secret is letting that garlic get golden but never brown. I tested it dozens of times, and trust me, you’ll want seconds.
PrintCreamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Perfect Comfort Dish
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich, comforting dish popular on Pinterest in the USA featuring al dente pasta tossed in a silky sauce of garlic parmesan and cream. This one pot creamy garlic pasta recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy this garlic parmesan pasta recipe with cheesy noodles in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 10 oz tagliatelle
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese finely graed
- 2 tablespoons parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Boil water and cook the tagliatelle noodles until just tender, then drain and put aside.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet until it starts to bubble, about one minute.
- Add minced garlic and stir for about one minute until fragrant.
- Quickly stir in the flour to form a smooth paste.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add heavy cream gradually, whisking continuously to blend into a creamy sauce within 2 to 3 minutes.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, salt, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley and mix thoroughly.
- Serve immediately with optional extra parmesan and parsley on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 999mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g + 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 91mg
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
There’s something magical about watching butter melt and garlic bloom to golden perfection. This creamy garlic parmesan pasta delivers restaurant-quality comfort right in your own kitchen, and it’s ready faster than delivery could arrive.
- One-pot simplicity: The sauce comes together while your tagliatelle cooks, making cleanup a breeze.
- Pantry-friendly ingredients: No need to hunt for specialty itemsjust butter, garlic, cream, and good parmesan cheese.
- Foolproof technique: Even beginners can master this silky sauce that never breaks or curdles.
It has become our go-to Tuesday night tradition because it feels indulgent yet comes together so effortlessly. The kids always ask for seconds, and honestly, so do I.
Ingredient Breakdown and My Kitchen Tips
Every ingredient in this easy creamy pasta recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect, silky sauce. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Eleanor’s Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tagliatelle | Wide ribbons hold the creamy sauce beautifully | Save some pasta waterit’s liquid gold for adjusting consistency |
| Garlic (6 cloves) | The aromatic foundation of our sauce | Mince finely and watch it like a hawkgolden yes, brown no |
| Heavy Cream | Creates that luxurious, restaurant-quality texture | Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly |
| Parmesan Cheese | Adds nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce | Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded |
| Flour | The secret thickener that prevents separation | Whisk quickly to avoid lumpsit only needs 30 seconds |
Pro Tip: The chicken broth might seem like a small addition, but it adds depth without overpowering the delicate garlic and cream flavors. Think of it as the supporting actor that makes everyone else shine.
Step-by-Step Success
The beauty of this recipe lies in its timingeverything happens quickly once you start. I always prep my garlic and measure everything before I begin.
The Pasta Foundation: Get your tagliatelle cooking first in well-salted water. While it bubbles away, you’ll have just enough time to create that dreamy sauce. Don’t drain the pasta completely drya little moisture helps everything come together.
Building the Sauce: Watch the butter sizzle, then add your minced garlic. The moment it becomes fragrant, you’ll know you’re on the right track. The flour creates a quick roux, and then it’s all about gradual whisking as you add the chicken broth and heavy cream. This prevents lumps and keeps everything silky smooth.
- Butter and garlic: 1-2 minutes until fragrant
- Flour paste: 30 seconds of stirring
- Liquid additions: 2-3 minutes of gradual whisking
- Final assembly: 1 minute to combine pasta, salt, parmesan cheese, and parsley
Troubleshooting Like a Pro
Even experienced cooks run into hiccups, and I’ve definitely had my share with cream sauces over the years.
If your sauce seems too thick: Add a splash of that reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time. It contains starch that helps bind everything together beautifully. If it’s too thin: Let it simmer for an extra minute or twothe heat will help it reduce naturally.
- Lumpy sauce: Whisk vigorously or strain through a fine mesh if needed
- Garlic tastes bitter: You cooked it too longstart over with fresh garlic
- Cheese won’t melt: Remove from heat first, then stir in the parmesan cheese gradually
Serving and Storage Guide
This pasta is absolutely divine served immediately, when the sauce clings perfectly to each strand of tagliatelle. I love garnishing with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating gently on stovetop |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight, then reheat with extra liquid as cream sauces can separate |
| Make-ahead | Same day | Prepare sauce separately, combine with pasta just before serving |
Serving suggestions: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat with their comfort food.
Expert Says
For a perfect CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA, the key lies in the emulsification process. When combining pasta with sauce, the starch released creates a creamy texture, enhancing flavor adherence. Using fresh Parmesan also adds depth of umami, making each bite irresistibly savory.
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The Long Road to Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Perfecting my creamy garlic parmesan pasta was a delicious adventure that took many attempts to get just right. Each time, I learned something newwhether adjusting the garlic for the perfect punch or finding the ideal balance of cream and cheeseuntil finally, the dish transformed into a family favorite brimming with warmth and flavor.
FAQs ( Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta )
What is the best pasta for this recipe?
For this dish, fettuccine or linguine are ideal due to their ability to hold the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, including penne or spaghetti, for a delicious result.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove while cooking the pasta to combine when you’re ready to serve.
How can I add protein to this meal?
To add protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. You can also throw in cooked bacon or sausage for a heartier flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
This recipe can be made keto-friendly by substituting traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. You can still enjoy the creamy texture with a low-carb twist.
What are some side dishes to serve?
Pairing this meal with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad complements the richness of the dish. Steamed vegetables or a simple caprese salad work wonderfully too.
The Perfect Pasta Night Made Simple
There’s nothing quite like seeing everyone’s face light up when you bring this creamy garlic parmesan pasta to the table. In just twenty minutes, you’ve created something that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian bistro. The silky sauce clings to every strand, and that golden garlic aroma fills your kitchen with pure comfort.
Here’s a trick Julia taught me: toss in some leftover rotisserie chicken for protein, or swap the tagliatelle for penne when that’s what’s hiding in your pantry. This pasta reheats beautifully the next day with just a splash of cream and gentle heat. Sometimes I add a handful of fresh spinach right at the endit wilts perfectly into all that creamy goodness.
I’d love to see how this turns out in your kitchen! Share a photo and tell medo you have a go-to pasta night tradition in your family? This recipe has become one of those keeper dishes that I know you’ll want to bookmark for busy weeknights and cozy Sunday dinners alike.
