Dinner

Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

ByMaya Quinn January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender spaghetti with a rich garlic-infused sauce. It’s simple to make yet feels indulgent, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an easy date night meal.

A close-up view of creamy pasta in a white bowl, showing thick, long noodles coated in a light, creamy sauce with visible specks of herbs. The pasta is sprinkled with finely grated cheese that adds a soft texture on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a folded cloth napkin nearby featuring dark gray and brown plaid patterns. A fork and knife rest casually beside the bowl, and an amber glass jar is partially visible in the background. The lighting highlights the smooth creaminess of the sauce and the soft texture of the cheese, making the dish look rich and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups chicken broth, or more as needed
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
½ pound spaghetti
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup heavy cream
1 ½ tablespoons dried parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add butter and stir constantly until melted and combined with the garlic.
Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth, then season with black pepper and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Add the spaghetti to the boiling broth, stirring occasionally. 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.
Step 4: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and dried parsley. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Step 5: Serve the creamy garlic pasta immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
Use fresh parsley instead of dried for a brighter flavor and garnish.
To make it lighter, replace heavy cream with half-and-half, but expect a slightly thinner sauce.

Storage

Store leftover creamy garlic pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a serving of spaghetti pasta, layered with creamy white sauce and topped with browned slices of mushrooms. Thin shavings of pale yellow cheese are scattered over the top, along with small green parsley leaves adding fresh color. Two bright yellow lemon wedges rest on the right side of the bowl. A woman's hand holds a gold fork, gathered with some pasta and sauce, lifting it above the bowl. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with many pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Replace butter with a plant-based margarine, use vegetable broth, substitute Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a vegan cream substitute.