“This easy 20-minute Garlic Pasta Recipe is pure comfort and pairs perfectly with almost any meal! It comes together in just 20 minutes, yet is infused with rich, garlicky flavor. A combination of Garlic, spaghetti and cheese altogether in a creamy-dreamy pasta dish. This is the best I have ever had. Simple, quick, and absolutely delicious pasta!”
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta recipes, check out my Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta and my Mayo Pasta Sauce.
Garlic Pasta Recipe Inspirations
This creamy spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food for me. Honestly, it’s that good I could eat it all on its own, please don’t judge! But it also pairs wonderfully with prawns and/or scallops to make an amazing seafood experience. In short, it’s a versatile, family-friendly dish that goes with any protein option. You can easily give it a spicy kick, and tossing in your favorite veggies, it always turns out delicious! I’ve eaten it straight from the pan while standing in the kitchen; it’s that irresistible.
The creamy, buttery garlic herb sauce is packed with flavor, and it works beautifully with a ton of pasta types. I used simple spaghetti and it turned out perfect!
How to Make Garlic Pasta Recipe
This Recipe is all about the technique! Without using any heavy ingredients, you can make a rich, creamy, and silky sauce. The secret lies in the pasta water, yes, that’s it, trust me! Save a bit of that starchy water and use it to create the smoothest, believe me, it would be the most luxurious sauce you’ve ever had.
Ingredients (2 serving approx.)
- Dried pasta such as spaghetti, 16 ounces-450g dried pasta such as spaghetti (others also work well, like linguine, or any other long or short pasta)
- Unsalted butter 8 tablespoons-104g
- Garlic clove 6 chopped
- Black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon ground
- Salt 2 teaspoons
- Parmesan 86g 1 cup grated
- Fresh parsley 0.5 cup chopped
Pro Tip: Save one cup of pasta water before draining excess water; it’s liquid gold for your sauce.
Recipe Directions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions or al dente 1-2 minutes, then the suggested time on the box. Don’t forget to reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining, for later use.
- To make a creamy garlic sauce, take a skillet, melt the butter over low heat, and add chopped garlic cubes to sizzle them gently until fragrant for about 2 minutes. Season it with salt and black pepper.
I always pause at this step because the smell of butter and Garlic together instantly lifts my mood. It reminds me of the evenings when I cook this after a hectic, tired day, but happy to have something so quick and comforting to make.
3. Add the cooked warm pasta and some reserved pasta water straight into the skillet. I use kitchen tongs for perfect tossing until a thick sauce coats the pasta. Keep on tossing, and you can add more pasta water if needed.
4. Turn off the heat, sprinkle in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, Stir continuously and season with salt & freshly cracked pepper if needed. Serve warm immediately with extra grated parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Sometimes, for a spicy kick, I like to add a pinch of chili flakes, and it is same enjoyable with the simple buttery goodness.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Pasta
This garlic pasta recipe is versatile and can pair beautifully with so many dishes!
Protein: Serve this hearty dish with grilled, baked, or shredded chicken; it also tastes deliciously with steak, shrimp, or even a flaky piece of fish.
Salads: If you like simple, light, and fresh pasta with a crisp side salad. A homemade zesty garden salad, a 4-ingredient salad and a fall pasta salad are always a winner.
Vegetables: Roasted or grilled veggies make the perfect companions with pasta. Caramelized cauliflower, tender asparagus, or smoky portobello mushrooms can be served alongside creamy garlic pasta.
Additions and Swaps
This simple garlic pasta recipe is amazing as-is, but it can also be perfectly customized without losing taste! Here are some delicious ways to make it your own and turn it into a complete meal:
- Toss in some charred corn for a pop of bright color and sweetness flavorful twist.
- Stir in some chopped fresh herbs when the butter is melting. I recommend adding rosemary or basil for an incredible aroma and freshness.
- For a heartier version, mix in hot smoked salmon for a rich, smoky flavor or try sesame ginger salmon for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes for a little spicy kick.
- I keep experimenting with flavored butters. I use compound butter in place of the garlic butter. It adds a deep umami note, while herb butter is also a good swap for a garden-fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover pasta dishes in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. For reheating and a fresh taste, I suggest warming gently with a splash of water or milk on the stove top to loosen the sauce. Don’t freeze creamy buttery sauces.
My Viral Pasta Dishes You’ll Love
Most people think of creamy pasta as a fall or winter comfort food, but it is just as perfect for summer! These light, stovetop pasta dishes are fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly ideal for every weather dinners or weeknight meals. Add these recipes to your summer rotation and enjoy all the pasta goodness without the heaviness.
Best Pesto Pasta with cream Recipe
Satisfying Two-Way Fusilli Pasta Quick Recipes
Pasta Carbonara with Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Conclusion
This easy 4-ingredient garlic pasta recipe truly proves that simplicity with extraordinary flavours. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that feels indulgent and comforting. It’s the kind of Recipe that saves busy weeknights yet tastes like something straight from a cozy Italian café. The way the garlicky butter sauce clings to each strand of pasta makes every bite pure comfort and perfectly balanced with salt.
