Name: Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Prep time: PT-491680H28M12S
Cook time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup butter (unsalted); 1 medium onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); salt and pepper (to taste); 2 teaspoons italian seasoning; ½ cup white wine (such as sauvignon blanc); 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Creamy Garlic Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the richness of butter, the aromatic allure of garlic, and the comfort of al dente spaghetti. As the flavors meld, you’ll find the creamy sauce clings lovingly to every noodle, making each bite a warm embrace. This pasta is perfect for those evenings when you crave something luxurious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Within just 30 minutes, you can turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner

Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner

I fondly recall the first time I stirred up this easy pasta dinner in my kitchen. The scent of garlic sizzling in butter filled the air, drawing my family in like bees to honey. They knew something special was cooking! The moment I served it, smiles around the table said it all. This creamy garlic pasta not only satisfies taste buds but also creates moments of connection and joy among loved ones. It effortlessly transforms an ordinary night into a delightful dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, buttery cream, and parmesan delivers a mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy sauce and inviting aroma make this dish a show-stopper at the dinner table.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for various occasions—from casual weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for different diets; consider gluten-free pasta or dairy-free options for sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces spaghetti: This classic pasta is the perfect base, crafting a wonderful backbone for the creamy sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle flavor and helps to sauté the onion and garlic beautifully.
½ cup unsalted butter: Creates that luscious creamy texture; unsalted allows you to control seasoning.
1 medium onion, chopped: This adds sweetness and depth; yellow or white onions work great.
4 cloves garlic, minced: The star of this dish, bringing in aromatic heat and flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: This blend brings in herbs that elevate the pasta’s flavor profile.
½ cup white wine, such as sauvignon blanc: A splash of acidity brightens the sauce but can be omitted if desired.
1½ cups heavy cream: For that luxurious, velvety sauce; half-and-half can work, but results will be thinner.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty bite and helps thicken the sauce; freshly grated works best.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: For those who like a bit of heat and depth in their dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner

Cook Spaghetti: Begin by cooking 8 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it’s a secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.

Melt Butter & Olive Oil: In a large skillet, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Let it melt together until bubbly and fragrant, creating a base filled with buttery goodness.

Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This adds a lovely sweetness to the sauce.

Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic next, cooking for just 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it burn; you want it fragrant and slightly caramelized to unlock its wonderful flavor.

Season It Up: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir to mix these spices into the fragrant onion and garlic.

Incorporate Wine: Pour in ½ cup of white wine, allowing it to simmer for about 3 minutes until reduced slightly. This will deepen the flavors and add a lovely acidity to the sauce.

Pour in Cream: Add 1½ cups of heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir continuously to combine it well with all the sautéed ingredients.

Add Reserved Pasta Water: Carefully stir in the reserved ½ cup of pasta water. This will help to emulsify the sauce and thicken it to the desired consistency. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Remove from Heat: Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat, letting the residual warmth continue to meld the flavors.

Blend in Parmesan: Stir in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce, bringing a savory richness to the creamy base.

Toss with Pasta: Finally, add the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, tossing well to coat every strand in that luscious creamy garlic goodness.

Garnish & Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for that extra pop of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish is best enjoyed freshly made, but it can be frozen for up to 3 months. For freezing, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, defrost overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to revive the texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the garlic: It can turn bitter quickly. Keep an eye on it and stir often.
Use room temperature ingredients when possible: This will help the sauce come together more smoothly.
If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water or cream until desired consistency is reached.
Experiment with different types of pasta: Fettuccine or penne would be delightful alternatives.
For added richness, consider sautéing a few sliced mushrooms along with the onions.

Creamy Garlic Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and happiness to the table. Its delightful blend of creamy, buttery flavors will leave you and your loved ones reaching for seconds. Feel free to play around with the seasonings or ingredients, tailoring the dish to your liking. Everyone deserves a little indulgence now and then, so why not treat yourself? Enjoy this easy pasta dinner, and relish every cheesy, garlicky bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and then combine with the reheated sauce for best results.

What can I substitute for the white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, consider using chicken or vegetable stock with a squeeze of lemon juice for that hint of acidity.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Opt for a gluten-free pasta variety, and the rest of the recipe will work beautifully. Just be mindful of cross-contamination if you have strict dietary needs.

How can I make it lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of butter or substitute some of it with olive oil.