There's nothing like the comforting aroma of garlic and butter wafting through the kitchen to signal that something delicious is about to happen. This 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal without the fuss.

I discovered this recipe on one of those nights when the clock was ticking, and hunger was setting in. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, this dish delivers maximum flavor, making it a go-to in my household. Let’s dive into why this quick and easy recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation!
Why You'll Love This 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort meal. This Creamy Garlic Pasta is the answer to "What's for dinner?" on hectic days.
First off, it’s unbelievably fast. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. It’s perfect for those moments when time is tight, but your taste buds demand something indulgent.
The flavor? Out of this world. The rich, velvety sauce is infused with buttery garlic and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan, creating a dish that’s savory, creamy, and downright irresistible.
Even better, this recipe is budget-friendly and made with pantry staples. With just pasta, garlic, butter, cream, and cheese, you’ll have everything you need for a satisfying meal without a last-minute trip to the store.
Finally, this dish is endlessly versatile. Whether you want to keep it vegetarian or toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp, the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to deliver flavor and texture in every bite.
- Pasta: Spaghetti is my go-to for this dish, but you can use fettuccine, linguine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to cook it al dente so it holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe. Minced or thinly sliced, it releases a rich, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire dish.
- Butter: A few tablespoons of unsalted butter serve as the base of the sauce, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so luscious. You can substitute it with half-and-half if you’re looking for a lighter option, but the result won’t be quite as rich.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key here. It melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty depth of flavor. Avoid the pre-grated kind for the best results.
- Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens up the dish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Special equipment? All you need is a large pot for boiling the pasta and a skillet for the sauce – no fancy gadgets required!
How To Make This 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta

Making this Creamy Garlic Pasta couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This will be key for creating the perfect sauce. - Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burned garlic can turn bitter. - Create the Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. - Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet, tossing to coat every strand in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce seems dry, add more pasta water a little at a time. - Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
Storage Options
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), this pasta stores beautifully:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but it’s easy to revive.
- Freezer: While cream-based sauces don’t typically freeze well, this pasta can be frozen in a pinch. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a blank canvas for creativity. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon to make it a complete meal.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick.
- Go Green: Stir in some sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or peas for added color and nutrition.
- Use Alternative Cheeses: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with olive oil, the cream with coconut milk, and the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.
With so many ways to customize, this Creamy Garlic Pasta can suit any mood or dietary need.
Now that you’ve got the recipe, it’s time to give it a try! Whether it’s a quick family dinner or a cozy solo meal, this dish is guaranteed to deliver flavor and satisfaction every single time. Enjoy!
Print15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
This creamy garlic pasta recipe is a 15-minute quick dinner loaded with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features a rich garlic sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or any pasta of choice
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and optional chili flakes.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
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