Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups chicken broth (or more if needed)
- teaspoon ground black pepper
- teaspoon salt
- pound spaghetti
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoons dried parsley
Directions
- Gather all the ingredients and set them aside for easy access.
- In a medium pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the butter to the pan and stir constantly until fully melted and incorporated.
- Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, then add the ground black pepper and salt. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti to the pan. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. If the pasta begins to stick, add more chicken broth as needed.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, add the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and dried parsley to the pan. Stir everything together until fully combined and creamy.
- Serve the dish immediately while hot, and enjoy your creamy, garlicky pasta!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrition Info | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 543 |
| Total Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 99mg |
| Sodium | 1388mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Vitamin C | 2mg |
| Calcium | 279mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
| Potassium | 222mg |

History and Origins
Creamy garlic pasta, a dish beloved by many, has become a staple in American comfort food cuisine. Its roots trace back to Italian pasta dishes, where garlic, olive oil, and cheese are the stars. The creamy variation, which includes ingredients like heavy cream and butter, is a relatively modern invention, likely developed in the U.S. as Italian-American fusion cuisine gained popularity in the 20th century. While the base flavors of garlic and cheese remain the same, the addition of cream transforms the dish into a rich, indulgent meal that has captured the hearts of pasta lovers worldwide.
Regional Variations
The creamy garlic pasta recipe may seem simple, but its variations across different regions of the U.S. reflect regional tastes and ingredient availability. In the southern states, this dish is often made with a spicier twist, incorporating red pepper flakes or even spicy sausage for a kick. In the Midwest, you might find it served alongside hearty, comforting meats like roasted chicken or bacon. In coastal areas, particularly in California, some versions use fresh garlic with a mix of herbs and add a light, citrusy flavor from lemon zest, elevating the creaminess with a refreshing contrast.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
While creamy garlic pasta shares similarities with classic Italian pasta dishes such as Alfredo or aglio e olio, it has distinct differences. Alfredo sauce, a rich, buttery cream sauce, is typically more decadent and less garlic-forward than creamy garlic pasta. Aglio e olio, on the other hand, relies heavily on garlic and olive oil, without the richness of cream. The key differentiator in creamy garlic pasta is the balance of a creamy texture with the bold flavor of garlic, creating a rich but not overwhelmingly heavy dish. This versatility makes it a perfect base for various add-ins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
Where It's Typically Served
Creamy garlic pasta is commonly served as a main course in casual American dining settings. It's especially popular at family dinners, potlucks, and weeknight meals due to its ease of preparation and comforting flavor profile. It's often paired with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad to complete the meal. Many restaurants that specialize in Italian-American dishes feature a version of creamy garlic pasta on their menu, often accompanied by proteins like chicken, shrimp, or even steak for added variety. The dishs creamy richness makes it a popular choice for cozy, relaxed meals with loved ones.
Fun Facts
- The recipe for creamy garlic pasta can easily be customized to suit dietary preferences, with dairy-free or vegan versions made by swapping heavy cream for plant-based cream and using vegan butter and Parmesan alternatives.
- In some variations of the dish, a splash of white wine is added to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Creamy garlic pasta is often paired with garlic bread, making it a double garlic experience that's perfect for garlic lovers!
- The simplicity of this dish makes it an ideal "pantry meal," as it can be made with common ingredients found in most kitchens, including pasta, garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Many home cooks experiment with additional vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms, turning the dish into a one-pan meal with added nutrition and flavor.
FAQ about Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Comments
Christine Wright
11/27/2023 08:21:10 PM
Simply amazing! I won't make any alterations! Planning to experiment with chicken next time.
Scott Williams
04/10/2024 02:45:44 PM
Review rewritten: I thoroughly enjoyed this recipe! I always like to read reviews before trying a new dish to see what others recommend. Following the instructions, I used 4 large cloves of minced garlic, oil, butter, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of water, salt, pepper, and 1 pound of spaghetti. After cooking, I added 1.5 cups of heavy cream, parsley, 1.5 cups of parmesan cheese, and around 1 cup of homemade ricotta cheese. Once everything was creamy, I mixed in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and let it sit covered for a few minutes. The addition of spinach was suggested in a review, and I decided to use the ricotta before it spoiled. I will definitely make this again, perhaps adding some meat or keeping it as directed with adjustments to the seasonings according to my taste. Thank you for sharing this recipe. It provided a great base for me to work from. Remember to adjust the spices and seasonings to suit your preferences. If you prefer less garlic, reduce the amount, and if you want more garlic flavor, add extra. Don't rate a recipe poorly based on personal taste preferences.
Amanda Ramirez
05/21/2023 08:01:18 PM
I absolutely ADORE this recipe. I made a few tweaks to personalize it. Instead of using olive oil and butter, I cooked a few strips of bacon in the pot and then sautéed the garlic in the bacon fat along with the juice from a lemon. Additionally, I opted to use a whole box (1 lb) of pasta instead of just 1/2 lb. I discovered that this alteration yields a richer consistency and provides ample leftovers for my family of four. I frequently pair it with roasted vegetables. This dish has become a must-have in our household— even my selective eaters adore it!
Jason Brown
07/21/2023 04:44:24 PM
I prepared this dish tonight and it was a big success. I enhanced it by including spicy Italian sausage, which I sliced and cooked beforehand. After removing the sausage from the pan, I added the garlic to the remaining drippings. This recipe is definitely one that I will be making again.
Gregory Perez
11/20/2024 03:59:35 AM
I used Tortellini that cooked in just 7 minutes for this dish. As a result, I decreased the chicken stock by half. The outcome was a wonderfully creamy sauce. Fantastic! This recipe is definitely worth making again.
Raymond Thompson
09/26/2024 09:20:11 AM
I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly and easily this dish came together, all in just one pan! Following some recommendations, I sautéed some shrimp in olive oil with a crushed clove of garlic, then set them aside while I prepared the rest of the recipe with angel hair pasta. I added the shrimp back in right before sprinkling on the parmesan. I opted for half-and-half instead of heavy cream and added extra garlic since my cloves were small and I'm a big fan of garlic. Since I live alone, I might consider halving the recipe next time to avoid having too many leftovers.
Anna Green
02/11/2023 08:02:38 PM
I made several alterations to the recipe as I am constantly on the hunt for the ultimate spicy pasta dish. Initially, I sautéed onions before incorporating five cloves of garlic, thinly sliced serrano pepper, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. Following that, I stuck to the original recipe but opted for spicy chicken broth from Swanson. Additionally, I air-fried chicken thighs seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until they were delightfully crispy. Placing them atop what could possibly be my all-time favorite pasta, the dish was truly a culinary delight.
Kathleen Wilson
02/28/2025 12:22:21 PM
This recipe turned out to be fantastic! I made it dairy-free by incorporating cashew cream, vegan butter, and vegan parmesan. I sprinkled dried parsley and other seasonings when I mixed in the noodles, and towards the end, I threw in some chopped chicken breast. I ran out of chicken broth, so I resorted to using chicken bouillon cubes, which I was a bit hesitant about, but they ended up working perfectly!
Kenneth Carter
09/25/2024 10:13:36 PM
This dish was a huge success! Both my sons absolutely adored it, and so did I. I opted to double the recipe, so I used a larger sauce pot. I substituted whole wheat pasta and added a generous amount of broccoli, which I had steamed earlier and stirred in at the end with the cream, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. I also included extra garlic since we are garlic enthusiasts in this household. It has quickly become one of our new favorite dishes! 🌟
Emma Clark
09/12/2024 05:02:10 PM
I absolutely adored this dish! I made a couple of tweaks - I ran out of heavy cream, so I used 2 oz of cream cheese instead. And at the last minute, I decided to throw in a jar of thinly sliced truffles. I wish I had taken a photo, but it was devoured before I could grab my phone. It was incredibly delicious! I'll definitely be making it again very soon!
Kathleen Roberts
09/21/2022 06:54:56 PM
Here is the revised review: "It was fantastic! I added about 1 teaspoon of curry and extra garlic, which made it even more delicious. I also incorporated the chicken stock into the original sauce from the garlic chicken I prepared, then mixed in the stock and pasta. After cooking it down, I stirred in the parmesan and cream, let it simmer for 15 minutes, and then served. The end result was absolutely delicious."
Betty Adams
10/08/2024 06:29:38 AM
This dish is absolutely fantastic! I prepared it for myself and my picky little sister, and we both adored it! If I had to nitpick, I would suggest using a bit less parmesan cheese. Apart from that, it's a delicious and wonderful meal!
Robert Nelson
05/31/2025 03:38:03 AM
One of the most delicious pasta recipes I've ever tried!
Anthony Phillips
08/12/2022 05:13:05 PM
I followed the recipe exactly (well, I added an extra clove of garlic, haha) and included chopped rotisserie chicken. Both my 5-year-old and I absolutely loved it! This dish is definitely a keeper.
Victoria Thompson
11/06/2023 05:35:26 AM
My family absolutely adored this recipe! I decided to enhance it with pan-fried prawns. We will definitely be making it again.
Catherine Parker
09/25/2023 04:03:00 AM
This recipe was incredibly simple to prepare, and I was amazed by how delicious it turned out. The best part is that you can customize it with your own choice of flavors. I will definitely be making this again, no doubt about it!
Jerry Clark
09/20/2024 04:55:02 PM
This recipe is fantastic as a starting point. I added around 10 cloves of crushed garlic, 5 to 6 cups of broth, and a pint of heavy cream to one pound of bucatini pasta. I then mixed in some leftover grilled shrimp and chicken, and spinach towards the end, along with a generous amount of Parmigiano-Reggiano. The resulting sauce was rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. It was a hit with everyone! Next time, I plan to include mushrooms for an extra depth of flavor.
Deborah Rodriguez
08/12/2022 01:36:22 AM
This pasta dish was incredibly simple to prepare and tasted absolutely divine. It was so delicious that it almost felt like a spiritual experience, reminding me of the joys of life. I decided to enhance it with some bacon, but I believe it would be even more exceptional with some chicken added to it. Rating: 11 out of 10.
Brandon Miller
06/15/2024 06:05:21 AM
I absolutely adored it, a new family favorite!
Joyce Moore
05/27/2025 02:29:28 PM
This pasta is absolutely delicious! I've cooked it twice already. On both occasions, I opted for half and half instead of heavy cream to make it a bit lighter. I also used frozen garlic instead of fresh cloves. The second time I made it, I reduced the amount of Parmesan to half a cup for my daughter, who isn't a huge fan of it. The dish turned out delicious in both variations. It's a versatile recipe that is easy to customize and always tastes amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us!